Devastate/ˈdevəsteɪt/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Severity of Impact Used to emphasize the serious damage or destruction caused to a place, object, or concept. The forest fire devastated the wildlife habitat for miles. Pro Tip 2/3Not Physical Harm Often describes destruction that isn't physical, such as economic or social impacts. New laws devastated the small business community. Pro Tip 3/3Natural Disasters Commonly used in the context of natural disasters causing widespread damage. A massive earthquake devastated the region last night.