View synonyms for debacle

debacle

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

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a general breakup or dispersion; sudden downfall or rout:
The revolution ended in a debacle.
a complete collapse or failure.
Synonyms: calamity, catastrophe, fiasco, ruin, disaster
a breaking up of ice in a river. Compare embacle def.
a violent rush of waters or ice.

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

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of debacle¹

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

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of debacle¹

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

Related Words

Browse