WorldJuly 4, 2026
decimation
/ˌdɛsɪˈmeɪʃən/
Definition
The act of severely damaging, destroying, or weakening a system, standard, or set of established norms.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'decimare,' which originally referred to a Roman military punishment where one in every ten soldiers was killed. Over time, the word evolved in English to describe widespread destruction or significant reduction.
In the news
In the article, the author uses this term to describe the erosion of international standards regarding civilian protection during modern conflicts. It highlights the concern that established rules for warfare are being dangerously undermined.
What International Law Experts are Watching in Iran
Read the full article ↗Chicago Council on Global Affairs