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havoc

[ˈhævək]

havoc Definition

  • 1widespread destruction or chaos
  • 2great confusion or disorder

Using havoc: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "havoc" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The storm wreaked havoc on the small town.

  • Example

    The new policy caused havoc in the company.

  • Example

    The children's party created havoc in the house.

  • Example

    The pandemic has wreaked havoc on the global economy.

havoc Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for havoc

Antonyms for havoc

Idioms Using havoc

  • to cause trouble or create a problem that becomes much worse later on

    Example

    The government's neglect of the environment has sown the wind, and now we are reaping the whirlwind of climate change.

  • to allow something dangerous or uncontrollable to happen

    Example

    The company's lax safety policies let the genie out of the bottle, and now they are facing a major lawsuit.

  • to stir up a hornet's nest

    to cause a lot of trouble or anger

    Example

    The politician's comments stirred up a hornet's nest of controversy and criticism.

Phrases with havoc

  • play havoc with

    cause damage or disruption to something

    Example

    The heavy rain played havoc with the roads and caused many accidents.

  • cause chaos or destruction

    Example

    The protesters raised havoc in the city center, damaging buildings and setting fires.

  • cause widespread destruction or chaos

    Example

    The hurricane wreaked havoc on the coastal towns, destroying homes and businesses.

Origins of havoc

from Old French 'havot', meaning 'plundering'

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Summary: havoc in Brief

'Havoc' [ˈhævək] refers to widespread destruction, chaos, or great confusion and disorder. It can be caused by natural disasters, policies, events, or people's actions. Examples include 'The storm wreaked havoc on the small town.' and 'The pandemic has wreaked havoc on the global economy.' 'Havoc' is often used in phrases like 'play havoc with,' 'raise havoc,' and 'wreak havoc,' and idioms like 'to sow the wind and reap the whirlwind,' which means to create a problem that becomes much worse later on.

How do native speakers use this expression?