
Decimate
Metaphorical Usage
Often used metaphorically to express severe damage, not always physical destruction.
The financial crisis decimated the industry.
Intensity
'Decimate' implies extensive harm but not total destruction.
Locusts can decimate fields of crops but won't wipe out everything.
Emotional Weight
It carries an emotional weight, suggesting a catastrophe or disaster.
The community was decimated by the plant closure. Compare with
AnnihilateDemolishDestroyDevastateEradicateExterminateObliterateSlaughterWipe out
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