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Havoc - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Havoc means widespread destruction or chaos. It is often used to describe severe damage or disorder caused by events like storms, wars, or unruly behavior. Example: The storm wreaked havoc on the town.

havoc

/ˈhævək/ /ˈhævək/

Definition:

Widespread destruction or chaos caused by disruptive events or actions.

Synonyms:

chaos, devastation, mayhem, ruin, disorder

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

order, peace

Common Collocations:

wreak havoc, cause havoc, create havoc, spread havoc, unleash havoc

Derivatives:

havocking (rare), havocked (past tense)

Usage Tips:

Use "havoc" to describe severe disruption or damage, often paired with verbs like "wreak" or "cause."

Common Phrases:

wreak havoc, play havoc with, cry havoc

Etymology:

From Old French "havot," meaning plunder or pillage, influenced by Latin "habēre" (to have).

Examples:

  • 1. The storm caused havoc across the coastal town.
  • 2. The new policy could wreak havoc on small businesses.
  • 3. Children running through the house created complete havoc.
  • 4. The virus spread and brought economic havoc worldwide.

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