Devastate
“Devastate” 是动词,表示“摧毁、重创”。既可描述灾害对地区造成巨大破坏,也可描述坏消息对人的心理打击。
- “The earthquake devastated several villages.” (这场地震重创了多个村庄。)
- “She was devastated by the sudden loss of her mentor.” (导师突然离世让她极度悲痛。)
- “A single cyberattack can devastate small businesses.” (一次网络攻击就可能重创小企业。)
来自拉丁语相关词根,核心意象是“使荒芜、使空无”,延伸为“造成毁灭性后果”。
前缀 “de-” 常带“向下、去除”色彩,结合词根后形成“彻底破坏”的语义强度。
新闻报道中,“devastate” 常用于自然灾害、战争和重大事故;在人际语境中常用于表达强烈情绪冲击。
- 固定搭配: “devastated by” (因…而深受打击), “devastating impact” (毁灭性影响)
- 相关词: “devastating” (毁灭性的), “devastation” (毁坏、重创)
把它联想成 “de + vast”:仿佛把大片区域变得空荡荒凉,记住“重创、摧毁”含义。
“The storm devastated the coast, but local volunteers quickly organized relief work.” (风暴重创了海岸,但当地志愿者迅速组织了救援。)