Dictionary entry

Havoc

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Hav″oc (hăv″ŏk), n. [W. hafog devastation, havoc; or, if this be itself fr. E. havoc, cf. OE. havot, or AS. hafoc hawk, which is a cruel or rapacious bird, or F. hai, voux! a cry to hounds.] Wide and general destruction; devastation; waste.

As for Saul, he made havoc of the church. Acts viii. 3.

Ye gods, what havoc does ambition make

Among your works! Addison.