Main entry: de-so-late
Pronunciation: [de-sə-lət]
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English desolat, from Latin desolatus, past participle of desolare to abandon, de- + solus alone
Date: 14th century
1: devoid of inhabitants and visitors: Deserted
2: joyless, disconsolate, and sorrowful through or as through separation from a loved one “a desolate widow”
3a: showing the effects of abandonment and neglect: Dilapidated “a desolate old house” b: Barren, Lifeless “a desolate landscape” c: devoid of warmth, comfort, or hope: Gloomy “desolate memories”