decimation Meaning & Definition
/ˌdɛsɪˈmeɪʃən/
What Does Decimation Mean?
Decimation is used as a noun meaning The killing or punishment of every tenth person, usually by lot. It can also mean The killing or destruction of any large portion of a population.
Word Facts for Decimation
| Part of speech | noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˌdɛsɪˈmeɪʃən/ |
| Synonyms | tithing and tithe |
| Plural | decimations |
Decimation Definition (Noun)
- The killing or punishment of every tenth person, usually by lot.
- The killing or destruction of any large portion of a population.
- A tithe or the act of tithing.
- The creation of a new sequence comprising only every nth element of a source sequence. A digital signal-processing technique for reducing the number of samples in a discrete-time signal; downsampling
- A digital signal-processing technique for reducing the number of samples in a discrete-time signal; downsampling
Noun
- (strictly) The killing or punishment of every tenth person, usually by lot.
- (generally) The killing or destruction of any large portion of a population.
- The creation of a new sequence comprising only every nth element of a source sequence.
Synonyms of Decimation
Decimation synonyms and antonyms →Word Forms & Grammar
decimation (countable and uncountable, plural decimations)
Words That Rhyme With Decimation
trepidationindignationexhilarationvenerationelationcondemnationgratificationinclinationaspirationdesolationaffirmationruminationexasperationtransformationprevaricationanticipationdeterminationmanifestationalienationamalgamationdemarcationfixationconsolationinfatuationimplicationadulationconflagrationfoundationcongregationdevastation
Origin of Decimation
Borrowed from Latin decimātiō, a punishment where every 10th man in a unit would be stoned to death by the men who were spared. Used by the Romans to keep order in their military. Compare septimation and vicesimation.
Quick Answers About Decimation
What part of speech is decimation?
Decimation is a noun.
What is another word for decimation?
Words with a similar meaning to decimation include tithing and tithe. See the full list of decimation synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of decimation?
The plural of decimation is decimations.