Legal Definitions - decimation

Definition: Decimation is a term used to describe a situation where a large number of people are killed or destroyed. It can also refer to a historical practice where every tenth person was punished, often by death.

• During the war, the city suffered decimation as many of its citizens were killed or forced to flee.
• In ancient Rome, decimation was used as a punishment for mutiny or cowardice in the military. Every tenth soldier was chosen by lot and executed.

The examples illustrate how decimation can refer to both a large-scale destruction of people and a specific punishment where every tenth person is targeted. In both cases, the result is a significant loss of life or a severe consequence for those affected.