vastation

noun

vas·​ta·​tion

vaˈstāshən

plural -s

1

obsolete : devastation

2

: a renewal or purification through the burning away or destruction of evil attributes

Word History

Etymology

Latin vastation-, vastatio, from vastatus (past participle of vastare to lay waste, from vastus empty, waste) + -ion-, -io -ion

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!