Decimate
Channel: English Unpacked
Date: 2024-03-15

The word "decimate" is commonly used in English to describe a severe reduction or destruction of something, often referring to a large portion or number being eliminated. This term originally comes from the Latin word "decimare," which means "to take the tenth."
In its historical context, "decimate" referred to a Roman military practice where one in every ten soldiers in a disobedient or rebellious cohort was executed as a form of punishment. Over time, the meaning of "decimate" has evolved to describe a much broader range of situations.
Here are a few examples illustrating the usage of "decimate":
1. "The hurricane decimated the coastal town, leaving only a few buildings standing." (Here, "decimate" is used to show the severe destruction caused by the hurricane.)
2. "The disease decimated the population, leading to a significant decrease in the number of residents in the area." (In this case, "decimate" is used to describe the devastating impact of the disease on the population.)
3. "The economic crisis decimated the company, resulting in massive layoffs and closures of branches." (Here, "decimate" is used to emphasize the significant reduction in the company's workforce and operations.)
4. "The invasive species decimated the native plant species, causing a decline in biodiversity in the area." (In this example, "decimate" is used to indicate the destruction of a large number of native plants by the invasive species.)
It is important to note that in modern usage, "decimate" is often used more loosely and can refer to any significant reduction, rather than strictly eliminating one-tenth as in its historical context.