devastating
Definitions
Causing severe and widespread destruction or damage
毁灭性的，极具破坏力的
Causing great shock, grief, or distress
令人极度震惊（悲痛、痛苦）的
Overwhelmingly impressive or effective
极其令人惊叹的；无懈可击的
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedThe present participle of devastate used as an adjective: 'laying everything waste.' Literally it describes total destruction (a devastating flood). The same 'flattening' image then runs two more ways: emotionally crushing (devastating news) and overwhelmingly impressive (a devastating argument that leaves no rebuttal standing).
Root vast still carries 5 more wordsWhy It Means This
Devastating spans an unusual range — from catastrophe to compliment. The thread is 'leaving nothing standing.' A devastating storm levels a town; devastating news levels your composure; a devastating wit or beauty levels your defenses. Once you see the single image of total flattening, all three senses click together.
Common Collocations
- 1.a devastating effect毁灭性的影响
- 2.devastating consequences灾难性的后果
- 3.a devastating blow沉重的打击
- 4.devastating news令人震惊的消息
- 5.devastatingly effective极其有效的
Example Sentences
- 1.
The flood had a devastating effect on the local economy.
- 2.
Losing the championship in the final second was devastating.
- 3.
The lawyer delivered a devastating cross-examination.
- 4.
She looked devastating in that red dress.