I. ˈhavək, -vik noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English havok, from Anglo-French, modification of Old French havot, n., pillage & interjection used to signal start of pillage, perhaps of Germanic origin; akin to Gothic hafjan to lift — more at heave
1. : wide and general damage or destruction : devastation , waste
appalled by the havoc and loss of life caused by the earthquake — F.J.Crowley
— see cry havoc at cry I
2. : great confusion and disorder
several small children can create havoc in a house
•
- play havoc with
II. verb
( havocked ; havocked ; havocking ; havocs )
: to lay waste : devastate , destroy