Decimation (Noun)
Meaning
Destroying or killing a large part of the population (literally every tenth person as chosen by lot).
Classification
Nouns denoting acts or actions.
Examples
- The Roman army's decimation of the rebellious city was a brutal reminder of the empire's power.
- Historians have long debated the effectiveness of decimation as a means of maintaining discipline within the Roman legions.
- The policy of decimation was intended to instill fear and obedience in the conquered territories.
- Decimation was a common practice in ancient Rome, where it was used to punish mutinous soldiers and rebellious civilians.
- The decimation of the city's population had a profound impact on its social and economic structures for generations to come.