A Word A Day : Havoc




Monday, 24th September 2007 : Today's Word is ...

Havoc



( Verb & Noun)


Pronunciation : hav'ok

1. Widespread destruction

2. The act of destroying or state of being destroyed

3. To rob of goods by force, especially in time of war

4. Chaotic situation


Etymology:


Middle English havok, from Anglo-Norman (crier) havok, (to cry) havoc, variant of Old French havot, plundering, of Germanic origin


Synonyms:


1. Devastation

2. Disorder

3. Chaos

4. Destruction

5. Ruin

6. Wreckage

7. Wreck

8. Undoing

9. Ruination


Antonyms:


1. Peace

2. Order

3. Civilisation


Contextual Examples:


• But if these minds get out of harmony with one another it is like a storm that plays havoc with the garden. — Buddha (563-483 BC)

• The infection spread into the town of Boston, and made much havoc there.

Enjoy this list and then get around for preparing your own list of words. There is no better way of boosting your words power. The most effective way to build your vocabulary is described in the page on Word Power. Educational research has discovered that your I.Q. is intimately related to your Word Power. Take a standard Vocabulary test and then an intelligent test, the result in both will be substantially the same. The more extensive your vocabulary, the better your chances of success, other things being equal- success in attaining your educational goals, success in moving ahead in your business or professional career, success in achieving your intellectual potential.

Previous Word| Next Word



Go to The A Word A Day Index


From Havoc to HOME PAGE