decimate

1. V-T To decimate something such as a group of people or animals means to destroy a very large number of them. 大量毁灭

The pollution could decimate the river's thriving population of kingfishers. 污染可能大量毁灭在这条河茁壮成长的翠鸟群。

2. V-T To decimate a system or organization means to reduce its size and effectiveness greatly. 严重削弱

...a recession which decimated the nation's manufacturing industry. …严重削弱了该国制造业的一次经济衰退。