Decimate

To Decimate means to destroy a large part of something, typically a population or area, often by violent means. It originally referred to the Roman military practice of executing one out of every ten soldiers for mutiny or cowardice. The term now implies significant reduction or destruction, though not always precisely one-tenth. The impact suggests severe loss and lasting damage, regardless of the specific percentage, it signals a substantial decrease in numbers or effectiveness, a severe depletion or destruction. This can apply to populations, resources, infrastructure, or abstract concepts like morale or productivity.

Decimate meaning with examples

• The plague decimated the city's population, leaving streets deserted and the economy shattered. The disease spread rapidly, overwhelming medical facilities and causing widespread panic. Entire families were wiped out, and the social fabric of the community was torn apart by the sheer scale of the losses, making recovery a long and arduous process.
• Overfishing has decimated the once-abundant cod population in the North Atlantic, threatening the entire ecosystem. The unsustainable practices of fishing fleets, coupled with climate change, have led to a dramatic decline. This collapse of a vital species has had cascading effects, impacting other marine life and the livelihoods of those who depend on the fishing industry.
• The economic recession decimated the manufacturing sector, resulting in widespread job losses and business closures. Many companies were unable to withstand the downturn, leading to a ripple effect across related industries. Consumer spending plummeted, and the overall economic output of the region contracted significantly, leading to hardship for families.
• Constant criticism and negativity can Decimate an individual's self-esteem and confidence. Repeated exposure to belittling remarks and negative feedback erodes one's sense of self-worth. Eventually, the person struggles to believe in their own abilities and withdraw from challenges, making it challenging to believe in themselves and thrive.