1. acts of killing or destroying a large portion of a group or population
2. severe reductions in number or amount
3. the killing of every tenth person as punishment
Usage: historical; Roman military

Examples

• The war caused decimations of entire villages.
• Disease led to decimations of the local wildlife population.
• Budget cuts resulted in decimations of the teaching staff.
• The hurricane brought decimations to the coastal communities.
• Roman generals sometimes ordered decimations of rebellious legions.
• Economic downturns often cause decimations in small businesses.