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debacle

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The definition of a debacle is a sudden downfall or a total failure.

(noun)

An example of a debacle is a poorly run political campaign that ends in overwhelming defeat.

See debacle in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a breaking up of ice in a river, etc.
a rush of debris-filled waters
an overwhelming defeat or rout
a total, often ludicrous, collapse or failure

Origin: Fr débâcle, breakup, overthrow < débâcler, to break up < dé-, de-, + bâcler, to bar, prob. < VL *bacculare < *bacculum, var. of L baculum, staff: see bacillus

See debacle in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A sudden, disastrous collapse, downfall, or defeat; a rout.
A total, often ludicrous failure.
The breaking up of ice in a river.
A violent flood.

Origin:

Origin: French débâcle

Origin: , from débâcler, to unbar

Origin: , from Old French desbacler

Origin: : des-, de-

Origin: + bacler, to bar (from Vulgar Latin *bacculāre, from Latin baculum, rod; see bak- in Indo-European roots)

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