Deruinate

/dɛˈruːɪneɪt/ verb

Definition

To ruin or destroy something completely; to reduce to ruins or a state of destruction.

Etymology

From Latin 'deruinare,' composed of 'de-' (down, away) and 'ruinare' (to fall, collapse, ruin), derived from 'ruina' (ruin). The prefix intensifies the meaning of ruin.

Kelly Says

The Latin prefix 'de-' was obsessively used in academic writing to intensify words—'deruinate' is a fancy way to say 'ruin thoroughly,' but standard English prefers just 'ruin'!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.