devastar (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Devastar is a verb.

Phonetic Transcription

/de.βasˈtaɾ/

Translation Options into English

• To devastate
• To destroy
• To ruin

Meaning and Usage in Spanish

Devastar means to cause extensive destruction or damage to something. It can refer to physical destruction, such as the devastation caused by natural disasters, as well as to figurative meanings, such as emotional devastation. The word is commonly used in both oral and written forms, particularly in contexts discussing disasters, destruction, and the aftermath of various events.

Example Sentences

1. El huracán puede devastar toda la ciudad en cuestión de horas.

2. The hurricane can devastate the entire city in a matter of hours.

3. El fuego devastó el bosque, dejando sólo cenizas.

4. The fire devastated the forest, leaving only ashes.

5. El escándalo devastó la reputación del político.

6. The scandal devastated the politician's reputation.

Idiomatic Expressions

Devastar is not frequently used in idiomatic expressions per se, but it appears in phrases where destruction or significant damage is implied. Below are some contexts where it may be elaborated:

1. Devastar el corazón (to devastate the heart)
2. La traición de su amigo le devastó el corazón.

3. The betrayal of his friend devastated his heart.

4. Devastar el futuro (to devastate the future)

5. La crisis económica puede devastar el futuro de muchas familias.

6. The economic crisis can devastate the future of many families.

7. Devastar la región (to devastate the region)

8. La guerra ha devastado la región durante años.

9. The war has devastated the region for years.

10. Devastar los sueños (to devastate dreams)

11. El fracaso repentino puede devastar los sueños de un joven.
12. Sudden failure can devastate a young person's dreams.

Etymology

The word devastar comes from Latin vastare, which means "to lay waste" or "to leave a place desolate." It incorporates the prefix "de-" which indicates removal or reversal, hence implying the act of completely ruining or laying waste to something.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Destruir (to destroy) - Arruinar (to ruin) - Acabar con (to put an end to)

Antonyms: - Construir (to build) - Crear (to create) - Recuperar (to recover)

This comprehensive analysis provides insight into the word devastar and its use in the Spanish language, exploring its meanings, applications, and related linguistic aspects.