debacle
UK: deɪˈbɑːkl | US: dɪˈbɑːkəl
n. a sudden and complete failure or collapse
n. a tumultuous breakup of ice in a river
n. a violent flood or rush of water
debacle = de<down, away> + bacle<barrier>
- de (from Latin de-, meaning "down" or "away")
- bacle (from French bacler, meaning "to block" or "barrier," derived from Latin baculum, "stick" or "bar")
Etymology Origin:
The word debacle entered English in the early 19th century from French débâcle, which originally referred to the breaking up of ice in a river. The French term combined dé- ("away") and bâcler ("to block"), reflecting the sudden collapse of a barrier (like ice) leading to chaos. Over time, it broadened to describe any disastrous failure or collapse, retaining its vivid imagery of abrupt disruption.
The company's financial debacle led to massive layoffs.
The river's spring debacle caused flooding in nearby villages.
The political campaign ended in a humiliating debacle.
The team's performance was a complete debacle, losing by 10 goals.
Historians still debate the debacle of the ancient empire's fall.