1. to destroy or kill a large portion of something
Usage: modern usage
2. to severely damage or reduce something by a large amount
Usage: figurative use
3. to kill every tenth person as punishment
Usage: historical; Roman military context

Examples

• The wildfire decimated the forest, destroying thousands of acres.
• Disease decimated the cattle population in the region.
• The economic crisis decimated small businesses across the country.
• Budget cuts decimated the school’s arts program.
• The hurricane decimated coastal communities.
• Overfishing has decimated fish populations in the area.
• Roman commanders would decimate rebellious legions as punishment.