/ ˈdevəsteɪtɪŋ; NAmE / adjective
1.
causing a lot of damage and destruction
SYN disastrous :
a devastating explosion / fire / cyclone
Oil spills are having a devastating effect on coral reefs in the ocean.
He received devastating injuries in the accident.
It will be a devastating blow to the local community if the factory closes.
2.
extremely shocking to a person :
the devastating news that her father was dead
3.
impressive and powerful :
his devastating performance in the 100 metres
Her smile was devastating.
a devastating attack on the President's economic record
► dev·as·tat·ing·ly adverb :
a devastatingly handsome man