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View synonyms for

debacle

[ dee-bah-kuhl, dey-, duh-, -bak-uhl ]

noun

  1. a general breakup or dispersion; sudden downfall or rout:

    The revolution ended in a debacle.

  2. a complete collapse or failure.

    Synonyms: , , , ,

  3. a breaking up of ice in a river. Compare embacle def.
  4. a violent rush of waters or ice.


debacle

/ deɪˈbɑːkəl; dɪ- /

noun

  1. a sudden disastrous collapse or defeat, esp one involving a disorderly retreat; rout
  2. the breaking up of ice in a river during spring or summer, often causing flooding
  3. a violent rush of water carrying along debris
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of debacle1

1795–1805; < French éâ, derivative of éâ to unbar, clear, equivalent to é- dis- 1 + â to bar ≪ Latin baculum stick, rod
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Word History and Origins

Origin of debacle1

C19: from French éâ, from Old French desbacler to unbolt, ultimately from Latin baculum rod, staff
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Ever since the February exam debacle, the State Bar has underplayed the idea that there were substantial problems with the multiple-choice questions.

From

And now he's found himself on the other side of Trump in the big tariff debacle that tanked world markets and looks like it could easily lead to recession or worse.

From

Summing it all up, the website SFist pulled no punches with its headline: “A’s first game in Sacramento was a complete debacle, and losing 18-3 was probably the least embarrassing part.”

From

The Trump resistance has been gathering steam for some time but this tariff debacle is taking it to the next level.

From

That debacle derailed a minerals deal, but negotiations resumed in recent weeks.

From

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