decimate Meaning & Definition
What Does Decimate Mean?
Decimate is a verb that means To kill one-tenth of (a group), as a military punishment in the Roman army selected by lot, usually carried out by the surviving soldiers. It can also mean To destroy or remove one-tenth of (something). As a noun, it means A tithe or other 10% tax or payment.
Word Facts for Decimate
| Part of speech | verb, noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //ˈdɛsɪmeɪt// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Synonyms | eradicate, eliminate and annihilate |
| Plural | decimates |
| Verb forms | decimates, decimating, decimated |
Decimate Definition (Verb)
- To kill one-tenth of (a group), as a military punishment in the Roman army selected by lot, usually carried out by the surviving soldiers.
- To destroy or remove one-tenth of (something).
- To devastate: to reduce or destroy significantly but not completely.
- To exact a tithe or other 10% tax.
- To tithe: to pay a 10% tax.
- To divide into tenths; to decimalize.
- To reduce to one-tenth: to destroy or remove nine-tenths of (something).
- To replace (a high-resolution model) with another of lower but acceptable quality. (Usually algorithmically)
Decimate as a Noun
- A tithe or other 10% tax or payment.
- A tenth of something.
- A set of ten items.
Verb
- To kill one-tenth of a group, (specifically) as a military punishment in the Roman army selected by lot, usually carried out by the surviving soldiers.
- To destroy or remove one-tenth of anything.
- To decimalize: to divide into tenths, hundredths etc.
- To reduce to one-tenth: to destroy or remove nine-tenths of anything.
- To replace a high-resolution model with another of lower but acceptable quality.
Synonyms of Decimate
Decimate synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Decimate
No antonyms or near antonyms are listed by the available sources for this entry.
Decimate in a Sentence
No example sentences are available for this entry.
Word Forms & Grammar
decimate (third-person singular simple present decimates, present participle decimating, simple past and past participle decimated)
decimate (plural decimates)
Words That Rhyme With Decimate
Origin of Decimate
The verb is first attested in 1591, the noun in 1641; borrowed from Latin decimātus, perfect passive participle of decimō (“to kill one tenth; to tithe”) (see, from -ate (verb-forming suffix) and -ate (noun-forming suffix)), from decimus (“tenth”) + -ō (verb-forming suffix).[1] As a noun, via Latin decimatus (“tithing area; tithing rights”).[2]
How Do You Say Decimate?
Decimate is pronounced //ˈdɛsɪmeɪt// and has 1 syllable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Decimate
Is decimate a verb or a noun?
Decimate is mainly used as a verb, but it can also be used as a noun.
What is another word for decimate?
You can replace decimate with words such as eradicate, eliminate and annihilate. See the full list of decimate synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of decimate?
The plural of decimate is decimates.
What is the past tense of decimate?
The past tense of decimate is decimated. The present participle is decimating.