1. makes a place empty of people or devoid of life; devastates or ruins completely
Usage: third person singular present tense of ‘desolate’
2. causes someone to feel very sad, lonely, or hopeless
Usage: third person singular present tense of ‘desolate’

Examples

• The hurricane desolates entire coastal communities every few years.
• War desolates the countryside, leaving behind empty villages.
• The news of her departure desolates him completely.
• Drought desolates the farmland, destroying crops and livelihoods.
• The loss of his best friend desolates the young boy.
• Fire desolates thousands of acres of forest each summer.