1 havoc | Definition of havoc

havoc

noun
hav·​oc | \ ˈha-vək How to pronounce havoc (audio) , -vik\

Definition of havoc

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : wide and general destruction : devastation A tornado wreaked havoc on the town two years ago.
2 : great confusion and disorder the blackout caused havoc in the city

havoc

verb
havocked; havocking

Definition of havoc (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to lay waste : destroy

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Examples of havoc in a Sentence

Noun

The disease can play havoc with the body's immune system. Several small children can create havoc in a house.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Storms have wrecked havoc with the systems, blowing circuits. — David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, "Three Years Later, the French Solar Road Is a Total Flop," 16 Aug. 2019 By the early 20th century, the disease had spread to 14 southern states, wrecking havoc on the region’s cattle industry. — John Maccormack, ExpressNews.com, "Deadly fever ticks are infesting border cattle herds," 2 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'havoc.' 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 havoc

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1575, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for havoc

Noun and Verb

Middle English havok, from Anglo-French, modification of Old French havot plunder

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More Definitions for havoc

havoc

noun

English Language Learners Definition of havoc

: a situation in which there is much destruction or confusion

havoc

noun
hav·​oc | \ ˈha-vək How to pronounce havoc (audio) \

Kids Definition of havoc

1 : wide destruction The storm wreaked havoc.
2 : great confusion and lack of order My young nephews caused havoc.

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More from Merriam-Webster on havoc

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for havoc

Spanish Central: Translation of havoc

Nglish: Translation of havoc for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of havoc for Arabic Speakers

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