ravage

/ˈɹævɪdʒ/

Group 28Difficulty 1/3

Definitions

(verb)
To cause severe and extensive damage to
GRE
(noun)
The destructive effects of something
GRE

Example in Context

The hurricane ravaged the coastal communities, destroying hundreds of homes and displacing thousands of residents who had no insurance.

Synonyms

destroydevastateruin

Etymology

Comes from a Latin word meaning to tear or rip violently.

  • ravager (Latin) — to tear apart

Memory Aid

🏰Sounds like “ravage the village

A giant monster comes to RAVAGE the VILLAGE, leaving nothing but destruction and confused villagers!

Visual Association

💥A village in ruins with smoke billowing, as a giant foot stomps through, leaving chaos in its wake.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “ravage” mean on the GRE?

ravage (verb) means “To cause severe and extensive damage to”. The hurricane ravaged the coastal communities, destroying hundreds of homes and displacing thousands of residents who had no insurance.

How to remember “ravage” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “ravage” sounds like “ravage the village”. A giant monster comes to RAVAGE the VILLAGE, leaving nothing but destruction and confused villagers!

What are synonyms for “ravage”?

Common synonyms: destroy, devastate, ruin.