Decimate/ˈdesɪmeɪt/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Usage Often used metaphorically to express severe damage, not always physical destruction. The financial crisis decimated the industry. Pro Tip 2/3Intensity 'Decimate' implies extensive harm but not total destruction. Locusts can decimate fields of crops but won't wipe out everything. Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Weight It carries an emotional weight, suggesting a catastrophe or disaster. The community was decimated by the plant closure.