decimate
deci|mate /d'esɪmeɪt/ (decimates decimating decimated)
1 [VERB] V n
To decimate something such as a group of people or animals means to destroy a very large number of them.
The pollution could decimate the river's thriving population of kingfishers...
2 [VERB] V n
To decimate a system or organization means to reduce its size and effectiveness greatly.
...a recession which decimated the nation's manufacturing industry.
1 [VERB] V n
To decimate something such as a group of people or animals means to destroy a very large number of them.
The pollution could decimate the river's thriving population of kingfishers...
2 [VERB] V n
To decimate a system or organization means to reduce its size and effectiveness greatly.
...a recession which decimated the nation's manufacturing industry.