- the destruction of a great number or proportion of people, animals, or things:There is growing evidence that pesticide use is contributing significantly to the decimation of bee populations.
- the act or practice of killing one-tenth of a population, as a punishment, to cull wild animals, or for other purposes:The Roman Empire used decimation, executing 1 in 10 people—ordinary citizens, slaves, or soldiers—to quell mutinies, riots, and other uprisings.
