desolate
UK: /ˈdɛsələt/ | US: /ˈdɛsələt/
adj. 1. (of a place) barren, empty, and uninhabited; devoid of life or activity.
adj. 2. (of a person) feeling or showing great unhappiness or loneliness.
vt. 1. to make (a place) bleakly empty or lifeless.
vt. 2. to make (someone) feel utterly wretched or forsaken.
The word desolate traces back to Latin desolatus (abandoned), combining de- (thoroughly) and solus (alone). It originally described places stripped of inhabitants or comfort, later extending to emotional desolation. The logic mirrors physical emptiness (e.g., a ruined city) and emotional isolation (e.g., a grieving person).
The desolate landscape stretched for miles without a single tree.
After the war, the village was left desolate and silent.
She felt desolate when her best friend moved away.
The storm desolated the coastal town, destroying homes.
His desolate expression revealed his deep sorrow.