noun
decimation
dess-ih-MAY-shun/ˌdesɪˈmeɪʃn/
Destructive reduction of a population or quantity.
The storm's decimation of the orchard leaves only two trees standing.
Etymology
Naming the taking of a tenth, decimation first referred to tithing in English. Its later use for executing every tenth man broadened into the modern sense of severe destruction or loss.
In context
nursing homes were forced to take contagious patients and and that led to a massive decimation of nursing homes
More examples
- Overfishing has led to the decimation of fish stocks.
- The disease caused widespread decimation of cattle herds.
- Factory closures continue the decimation of manufacturing jobs.
Forms
decimation
decimate verb — To destroy or drastically reduce something.
Similar words
- devastation
- Emphasizes overwhelming damage rather than a reduction in numbers.
- depletion
- Emphasizes using up supplies, not necessarily through destructive events.
- annihilation
- Means complete destruction rather than a severe reduction.