verb

decimate

DES-ih-mayt/ˈdesɪmeɪt/

To reduce a group's numbers through destructive losses.

The storm decimates the orchard, leaving only two trees standing intact.

A small orchard devastated by a storm: most fruit trees are snapped or uprooted, with only two still standing intact, making the great reduction immediately visible.

Etymology

decimateLatinto remove or destroy a tenth

The Latin verb meant removing or destroying a tenth. English first used it for executing every tenth man chosen by lot, then broadened it to destroying a large, unspecified proportion.

In context

MCC East Bay (Muslim Community Center)96:15

the lord commands moses to go into 31 city-states and utterly decimate the entire population men women and children animals burn down the city loot the city

Does God Exist?: A Muslim’s Response to Atheism | Ustadh Dr. Ali Ate

More examples

The harsh winter decimated the local deer population.
Invasive beetles are decimating the forest's ash trees.
Repeated attacks decimated the army before it reached the city.

Forms

decimate · decimates · decimated · decimating

decimation noun — Severe reduction of a group's numbers.

Similar words

devastate: Emphasizes overwhelming damage, not necessarily a reduction in numbers.
deplete: Emphasizes reduced numbers or supplies without necessarily implying destruction.
destroy: Usually suggests complete ruin rather than a severe reduction.