Definitions

1. verb

to kill or destroy a large number of something, especially people or animals, in a short time

“The war decimated the small town, leaving it almost deserted.”

2. verb

to reduce something, especially a number or an amount, by a large fraction

“The company’s profits were decimated by the economic downturn.”

3. noun

a reduction of a large number or amount by a large fraction

“The decimation of the company’s workforce was a major blow to the community.”

4. noun

a reduction of something to one-tenth of its original amount

“The decimation of the forest was a result of the wildfires.”