lay waste to

• Détruire complètement, ravager ou réduire en ruines quelque chose, souvent dans un contexte dramatique ou littéraire.

To completely destroy, devastate, or ruin something, often used in a dramatic or literary context.

1. Destroy completelyC1formal

   To cause severe damage or destruction to something, leaving it in ruins.

   dévaster

   • The invading army laid waste to the entire region.
   • The hurricane laid waste to the coastal towns.
   • Years of neglect have laid waste to the once-beautiful garden.