Decimate
/ˈdɛs.ɪ.meɪt/noun
To destroy a large portion of something.
Did you know?Originally a Roman military term, decimation was a brutal punishment where one in every ten soldiers was executed to instill fear and discipline.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
decimare
“To take a tenth part, especially in the context of punishment.”
Late Latin
Late Latin
decimatio
“A form of punishment involving the execution of every tenth soldier.”
Middle French
French
décimer
“To destroy or kill a large part of, especially in military contexts.”
16th Century
English
decimate
“To reduce drastically in number; to inflict severe damage.”
Modern English
English
decimate
“To destroy a large proportion of something, often used figuratively.”