noun

havoc

HA-vuhk

noun

Widespread destruction, chaos, or disorder.

"The storm wreaked havoc across the coastal towns."

"The toddler caused havoc in the kitchen within minutes."

verb

To cause widespread destruction or disorder to something.

"The invading army havocked the countryside as it advanced."

How to Use Havoc

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTotal chaos and destruction, almost always used with "wreak" — "wreak havoc" is the standard phrase.

Common mistake

Almost always paired with "wreak," not "wreck" — "wreak havoc" is correct, even though "wreck" looks similar and fits the destructive meaning.

Common pairings

wreak havoc cause havoc havoc ensued

Word Forms

havocked past tense, havocs plural, havocs singular

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The storm wreaked _____ across the coastal towns.

Etymology

From the Old French battle cry "crier havok" — a signal for soldiers to seize plunder — ultimately from a word for a hook or pruning tool used for grabbing loot.