The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

havoc

IPA:

Dictionary definition of havoc

Widespread and severe destruction, chaos, or devastation resulting from a disruptive force or event.
"The hurricane wreaked havoc on the small coastal town."

Detailed meaning of havoc

It signifies a state of extreme disorder and turmoil, often accompanied by extensive damage and upheaval. "Havoc" can describe the aftermath of natural disasters like hurricanes or earthquakes, the consequences of wars or conflicts, or even the disruptive effects of unruly or lawless behavior. When something wreaks havoc, it implies that it has caused widespread disruption and devastation, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. This term underscores the significant and often catastrophic impact of the disruptive force or event in question, emphasizing the upheaval and damage it has caused to people, places, or systems.

Example sentences containing havoc

1. The tornado wreaked havoc on the small town, leaving destruction in its wake.
2. The unruly party guests caused havoc in the once-peaceful neighborhood.
3. The virus continues to wreak havoc on global healthcare systems.
4. The reckless driver's actions created havoc on the busy freeway.
5. The hacker's attack on the company's servers unleashed digital havoc.
6. The storm's fierce winds played havoc with power lines, causing outages.

History and etymology of havoc

The noun 'havoc' traces its origins to the Middle French term 'havot,' which meant 'pillaging' or 'plundering.' It entered the English language in the late 16th century. 'Havoc' refers to widespread and severe destruction, chaos, or devastation resulting from a disruptive force or event. The etymology of 'havoc' effectively conveys the idea of wanton destruction and plundering, emphasizing the devastating impact of such actions. Whether used to describe the havoc wreaked by a natural disaster, the havoc caused by a war, or the havoc resulting from a tumultuous event, this term underscores the notion of extensive and often ruinous disorder.

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Further usage examples of havoc

1. The wildfire swept through the forest, wreaking havoc on wildlife habitats.
2. The toddler's tantrum unleashed havoc in the grocery store aisle.
3. The political scandal has wreaked havoc on the candidate's reputation.
4. The malfunctioning software caused havoc for the entire IT department.
5. The invasive species has wreaked havoc on the local ecosystem.
6. The stock market crash resulted in financial havoc for many investors.
7. The rival gangs clashed in the streets, causing havoc in the city.
8. The miscommunication among team members wreaked havoc on the project.
9. The teacher's absence threw the classroom into chaos and havoc.
10. The pandemic's economic impact has wrought havoc on businesses worldwide.
11. The floodwaters surged, creating havoc in low-lying areas.
12. The prankster's antics caused havoc during the school assembly.
13. The snowstorm paralyzed the city, causing traffic havoc.
14. The malfunctioning sprinkler system caused havoc in the office building.
15. The sudden change in leadership has created organizational havoc.
16. The rockslide wreaked havoc on the mountain road, blocking traffic.
17. The wildfire's unpredictable path wreaked havoc on firefighting efforts.
18. The construction project's delays played havoc with the timeline.
19. The computer virus unleashed havoc on the network, compromising security.