dev·a·stat·ing /ˈdevəsteɪtɪŋ/ ●○○ adjectiveadj 1 DESTROYbadly damaging or destroying something 毁灭性的,破坏力极强的devastating effect/impact Acid rain has a devastating effect on the forest. 酸雨对森林的破坏力极大。
devastating results/consequences The oil spill had devastating consequences for wildlife. 这次石油泄漏事故对野生生物造成了毁灭性的后果。
It will be a devastating blow for the town if the factory closes. 如果工厂关闭,对该镇来说将是沉重的打击。
2 SHOCKmaking someone feel extremely sad or shocked 令人悲痛的;令人震惊的,骇人的 He was in Nice when he heard the devastating news. 他是在尼斯听到这个令人震惊的消息的。
Long-term unemployment can be devastating. 长期失业对人的打击很大。
3 STRONG FEELING OR BELIEFvery impressive or effective 惊人的;强有力的 In a devastating display of military muscle, soldiers seized the town. 士兵以摧枯拉朽之势占领了这座城镇。
4 BEAUTIFUL/GOOD-LOOKING literary extremely attractive 极富吸引力的,极漂亮的 a devastating smile 迷人的微笑
—devastatingly adverbadv a devastatingly attractive man 迷倒众生的美男子
n COLLOCATIONSnounsa devastating effect/impactThe recession has had a devastating impact on employment in this area.
devastating consequences/resultsa terrible disease with devastating results
a devastating flood/fire/earthquake etcThe country is still recovering from last year's devastating floods.
a devastating disease/illnessCheaper medicines are needed to fight Aids and other devastating diseases.
a devastating warIt will take a long time for the region to recover from such a devastating war.
a devastating blow (=a devastating action or event )When a huge car bomb exploded, it was a devastating blow to the peace plan.
a devastating defeatThe party suffered a devastating defeat in the local election.
devastating effect/impact• The doctrine had a far-reaching, devastating impact.• All had suffered devastating effects from the war.• Why the devastating effect of her imaginings?• The potentially devastating impact of the decimation of many anti-poverty programs on recipients and on their children is explored.• He believes any merger with Darlington could have a devastating effect on health provision for Bishop Auckland.• Does he agree that that policy would have a devastating impact on people who live in the country areas of Teignbridge?• The stroke had a devastating effect on Stanley's life.• Teredo, or shipworm, can have a devastating effect on the hulls of wooden ships at sea. devastating news• Then, and only then is the devastating news given to the old man.