Definitions

1. noun

The action or process of reducing or destroying something in large numbers, often in a systematic or ruthless manner.

“The army suffered a severe decimation after the battle, losing nearly half of its soldiers.”

2. verb

To reduce or destroy something in large numbers, often in a systematic or ruthless manner.

“The enemy decimated the city, leaving it in ruins.”

3. noun

A reduction of a person’s or people’s number, especially as a punishment.

“The decimation of the Roman legions was a severe punishment for their mutiny.”