lay waste
Ruin beyond repair
To lay waste is to destroy completely, reducing something to ruins: The invading army laid waste to the countryside.
The phrase often describes military destruction or natural disasters that leave nothing standing.
Figuratively, it can describe thorough devastation of any kind: The scandal laid waste to his political career.
Violent theft of goods
- sackRough fabric bag
- ransackPlunder while destroying
- lootStolen valuables
- plunderGoods seized violently
despoil · maraud · ravage · raid · depredation · spoliation · rapine · foray
Destroy completely
- annihilateDestroy completely, leaving nothing
- decimateDestroy a large portion
- razeDestroy completely
- wreckDestroyed vessel or vehicle
shatter · flatten · eradicate · obliterate · pulverize · level · devastate · destroy
Unable to produce
- bleakDreary and without cheer
- scorched earthDestroy all useful resources
- ruinationState of complete destruction
- aftermathResults following an event
ashes · rubble · ruins · wreckage · carnage · destruction · emptiness · void
Process of declining quality
- degradationDecline in condition
- rotOrganic breakdown process
- erosionGradual wearing away
- declineDecrease or refuse
disrepair · collapse · crumble · neglect · dilapidation · blight · dereliction · corrosion
pillage
Violent theft of goods
plunder · despoil · maraud · ravage · raid · depredation · spoliation · rapine · foray · reave
demolish
Destroy completely
- annihilateDestroy completely, leaving nothing
- decimateDestroy a large portion
- razeDestroy completely
wreck · shatter · flatten · eradicate · obliterate · pulverize · level · devastate · destroy · wipe out
barren
Unable to produce
- bleakDreary and without cheer
- scorched earthDestroy all useful resources
- ruinationState of complete destruction
aftermath · ashes · rubble · ruins · wreckage · carnage · destruction · emptiness · void · blight
deterioration
Process of declining quality
- degradationDecline in condition
- rotOrganic breakdown process
- erosionGradual wearing away
decline · disrepair · collapse · crumble · neglect · dilapidation · blight · dereliction · corrosion · ruination