debacle

[ dey-bah-kuhl, -bak-uhl, duh- ]
/ deɪˈbɑ kəl, -ˈbæk əl, də- /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR debacle ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

a general breakup or dispersion; sudden downfall or rout: The revolution ended in a debacle.
a complete collapse or failure.
a breaking up of ice in a river. Compare embacle.
a violent rush of waters or ice.

Origin of debacle

1795–1805; < French débâcle, derivative of débâcler to unbar, clear, equivalent to dé- dis-1 + bâcler to bar ≪ Latin baculum stick, rod

Words nearby debacle

deattribution, deauville, deave, deb, deb., debacle, debag, debakey, debanding, debar, debark

Words related to debacle

breakdown, devastation, crash, disaster, wreck, drubbing, rout, fiasco, downfall, failure, reversal, defeat, beating, collapse, ruination, smash, ruin, licking, havoc, overthrow

Example sentences from the Web for debacle

British Dictionary definitions for debacle

debacle
/ (deɪˈbɑːkəl, dɪ-) /

noun

a sudden disastrous collapse or defeat, esp one involving a disorderly retreat; rout
the breaking up of ice in a river during spring or summer, often causing flooding
a violent rush of water carrying along debris

Word Origin for debacle

C19: from French débâcle, from Old French desbacler to unbolt, ultimately from Latin baculum rod, staff