havoc

¹hav·oc

noun \ˈha-vək, -vik\

Definition of HAVOC

1

: wide and general destruction : devastation

2

: great confusion and disorder <the blackout caused havoc in the city>

Examples of HAVOC

1. The disease can play havoc with the body's immune system.
2. Several small children can create havoc in a house.

Origin of HAVOC

Middle English havok, from Anglo-French, modification of Old French havot plunder

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to HAVOC

Synonyms: chance-medley, confusion, disarrangement, disarray, dishevelment, disorder, disorderedness, disorderliness, disorganization, free-for-all, chaos, heck, hell, jumble, mare's nest, mess, messiness, misorder, muddle, muss, shambles, snake pit, tumble, welter

Antonyms: order, orderliness

Related Words: anarchy, lawlessness, misrule, riot; knot, snarl, tangle; labyrinth, maze, web; maelstrom, storm; bollix, clutter, litter, mishmash, shuffle; hodgepodge, medley, miscellany, morass, motley

Near Antonyms: method, pattern, plan, system

see all synonyms and antonyms

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