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dec·i·mate

decimate

pronunciation:
de s meIt
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: decimated, decimates, decimating
definition 1: to destroy a large part or number of.
The barrage of arrows decimated the attacking army.
similar words:
butcher, wither
definition 2: in former times, to put to death one tenth of (a conquered army or populace).
derivations: decimation (n.), decimator (n.)