'Debacle' definitions:

Definition of 'debacle'

From: WordNet
noun
A sudden and violent collapse [syn: debacle, fiasco]
noun
Flooding caused by a tumultuous breakup of ice in a river during the spring or summer
noun
A sound defeat [syn: thrashing, walloping, debacle, drubbing, slaughter, trouncing, whipping]

Definition of 'Debacle'

From: GCIDE
  • Debacle \De*ba"cle\, n. [F. d['e]b[^a]cle, fr. d['e]b[^a]cler to unbar, break loose; pref. d['e]- (prob. = L. dis) + b[^a]cler to bolt, fr. L. baculum a stick.]
  • 1. (Geol.) A breaking or bursting forth; a violent rush or flood of waters which breaks down opposing barriers, and hurls forward and disperses blocks of stone and other d['e]bris. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. A sudden breaking up or breaking loose; a violent dispersion or disruption; impetuous rush; outburst. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
  • 3. a complete and ludicrous failure; a rout, as of an army; a great disaster; a fiasco. [PJC]