Decimation (noun)

The destruction of a large portion of something.

Origin:

The word decimation is derived from the latin word "decimare" which means to select by lot and kill every tenth. it was first used in the early 17th century to describe a punishment in which every tenth person was selected by lot and killed. now it is used in a broader sense to refer to the destruction of a large portion of something.

Examples:

1. The storm caused decimation to the town, leaving many homes destroyed.
2. The company's profits suffered a decimation after the economic downturn.
3. The disease decimated the population of the region.
4. The decimation of the herd was caused by the severe drought.
5. The company's reputation suffered a decimation after the scandal.