WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
adjective.
ruinously destructive and wasting
noun.
plundering with excessive damage and destruction
Word Usage
"Spanish-American word ravaging our coasts and carrying off the pride of the youth has to answer for many such bridal parties, whose tours have been followed with pins and colored pencils and eyes more eager than those of mothers-in-law."