DEVASTATE

[verb] - to destroy completely or cause great damage to (esp. a place), or to cause emotional suffering or pain to (a person)The fire swept through the theatre, devastating the entire building. [T]The earthquake devastated the whole region. [T]The closure of this factory could devastate (= cause suffering to) the lives of thousands of families in the area whose incomes depend on it. [T]Divorce can devastate (= cause suffering) emotionally. [I]