How Do You Spell DECIMATE?

1. Decimate is a verb with various meanings depending on the context. Literally, the term derives from the Latin word "decimare," which means "to take a tenth." In historical context, it refers to a practice where every tenth person in a group or a community was systematically executed as a punishment or discipline. However, in modern usage, the term has evolved to convey a more figurative meaning.

   When used figuratively, "decimate" commonly refers to the severe reduction or destruction of something, often implying significant damage or loss. It signifies the reduction of a population, organization, or entity by an extensive or substantial amount. It often implies a severe impact that substantially weakens or impairs the affected subject. The term is particularly associated with the devastation inflicted by war, natural disasters, pandemics, or other crises.

   For example, one might say that a plague decimated a town, implying that a large proportion of the population was wiped out or severely affected. Similarly, one might state that bankruptcy decimated a company, depicting the significant reduction in its financial resources or market value. In essence, "decimate" indicates a severe and often irreversible damaging effect, reducing something to a fraction of its original state or strength.

2. To destroy a tenth part, as by disease; to punish with death every tenth man; to take a tenth part; to destroy any large portion.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for DECIMATE *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for DECIMATE

The word "decimate" originated from the Latin word "decimare", which is derived from the Latin word for "ten", "decem". In ancient Rome, decimation referred to a military practice where one out of every ten soldiers in a group was chosen by lot and executed as a punishment for severe disciplinary offenses. The practice aimed to maintain discipline and instill fear among the troops. Over time, the meaning of the term expanded to include the more general sense of destroying or reducing something by a significant amount, rather than just one-tenth.

Similar spelling words for DECIMATE

Conjugate verb Decimate

Infographic

Share this Image

Add the infographic to your website:

<p><a href="https://d65im9osfb1r5.cloudfront.net/spellchecker.net/1554398-decimate.png" target="_blank"> <img src="https://d65im9osfb1r5.cloudfront.net/spellchecker.net/1554398-decimate_thumbnail.png" alt="Correct spelling for decimate" /></a><br/><a href="http://www.spellchecker.net/decimate">Correct spelling for decimate</a> </p>