decimate
Pronunciation
Verb
B1 Intermediate
Quick answer
To destroy or kill a very large proportion of something.
Synonyms and antonyms
Synonyms
devastate
ravage
Usage notes
Strictly, "decimate" once meant to kill one in ten, but it's now used to mean destroying a large part of something.
Test yourself
Which word fits the gap? "The disease _____ the region's rabbit population within a single season."
Answer: decimate
In your own words, what does "decimate" mean?
To destroy or kill a very large proportion of something.
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