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debacle

noun
de·​ba·​cle | \ dē-ˈbä-kəl How to pronounce debacle (audio) , di-, -ˈba- How to pronounce debacle (audio) ; nonstandard ˈde-bə-kəl How to pronounce debacle (audio) \
variants: or less commonly débâcle \ dē-​ˈbä-​kəl How to pronounce débâcle (audio) , di-​ , -​ˈba-​ How to pronounce débâcle (audio) ; also  dā-​ˈbäk(lᵊ) , -​ˈbä-​kəl , How to pronounce débâcle (audio) \

Definition of debacle

1a : a great disaster
b : a complete failure : fiasco
2 : a tumultuous breakup of ice in a river
3 : a violent disruption (as of an army) : rout
Synonyms The Origin of Debacle Is French Example Sentences Learn More about debacle

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The Origin of Debacle Is French

Debacle comes from the French noun débâcle, which comes from the verb débâcler, meaning "to clear," "to unbolt," or "to unbar." That verb is from Middle French desbacler, which joined the prefix des- (equivalent to our de-, meaning "to do the opposite of") with the verb "bacler" ("to block"). In its original uses, "debacle" meant a breaking up of ice, or the rush of ice or water that follows such an occurrence. Eventually, "debacle" was used also to mean "a violent, destructive flood." Naturally, such uses led to meanings such as "a breaking up," "collapse," and finally "disaster" or "fiasco."

Examples of debacle in a Sentence

What a debacle. Next thing he knew, one of the patients would turn up dead. — T. Coraghessan Boyle, The Road to Wellville, 1993 So what had been intended as an orderly hearing ended in a general debacle, for as soon as Fray Domingo saw his protector dragged toward the exit door, he leaped at the guards and began pummeling them. — James A. Michener, Texas, 1985
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Then Florida State jumped to a 24-6 lead on the Broncos, sending a message that its 5-7 debacle from a year ago. — Los Angeles Times, "College football spotlight: Oregon blows big chance for itself and Pac-12," 31 Aug. 2019 The agency is aware that marijuana companies have found legal workarounds to their trademark debacle. — Ally Marotti, chicagotribune.com, "SharksBreath, Bio Jesus and Kiwi Skunk: Marijuana companies need to protect their brands. But trademarks are a tricky situation.," 30 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'debacle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of debacle

1802, in the meaning defined at sense 2

History and Etymology for debacle

French débâcle, from débâcler to clear, from Middle French desbacler, from des- de- + bacler to block, perhaps from Vulgar Latin *bacculare, from Latin baculum staff

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More Definitions for debacle

debacle

noun
How to pronounce debacle (audio) How to pronounce debacle (audio) How to pronounce debacle (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of debacle

: a great disaster or complete failure

See the full definition for debacle in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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