"Estragos" refers to severe damage, devastation, or destruction, often implying a significant impact on something. It is commonly used in both spoken and written Spanish but may appear more frequently in written contexts such as literature, news articles, and formal documentation, particularly in discussions involving natural disasters, wars, or significant loss events.
Example Sentences
Los estragos causados por el huracán fueron devastadores en todo el país.
The devastation caused by the hurricane was devastating throughout the country.
Los estragos de la guerra dejaron huellas profundas en la población.
The ruins of the war left deep scars on the population.
Los estragos de la pandemia se sentirán durante años en la economía.
The effects of the pandemic will be felt for years in the economy.
Idiomatic Expressions
While "estragos" itself is not part of many idiomatic expressions, it can be used in constructions that convey the severity of damage or loss:
Hacer estragos (to cause havoc)
La tormenta hizo estragos en la ciudad, dejándola sin electricidad.
The storm caused havoc in the city, leaving it without electricity.
Causar estragos (to wreak havoc)
El fuego causó estragos en la zona forestal, arrasando miles de hectáreas.
The fire wreaked havoc in the forest area, wiping out thousands of hectares.
Estragos de la vida (the ravages of life)
Todos enfrentamos los estragos de la vida en algún momento.
We all face the ravages of life at some point.
Estragos emocionales (emotional scars)
Los estragos emocionales de la separación fueron difíciles de superar.
The emotional scars from the separation were hard to overcome.
Etymology
The term "estragos" comes from the Latin word "stragum," which means "spread out" or "cover." Over time, it evolved in Spanish to connote the idea of scattering or devastation, particularly in a destructive sense.
Synonyms
Devastación (devastation)
Ruina (ruin)
Destrozo (damage)
Antonyms
Reparación (repair)
Restauración (restoration)
Protección (protection)
This comprehensive overview of the term "estragos" provides insight into its usage, meaning, and context within the Spanish language.