Dictionary entry

Desolate (2)

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Des″o‐late (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Desolated; p. pr. & vb. n.Desolating.] 1. To make desolate; to leave alone; to deprive of inhabitants; as, the earth was nearly desolated by the flood.

2. To lay waste; to ruin; to ravage; as, a fire desolates a city.

Constructed in the very heart of a desolating war. Sparks.