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.
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.