'Decimating' definitions:

Definition of 'Decimating'

From: GCIDE
  • Decimate \Dec"i*mate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Decimated; p. pr. & vb. n. Decimating.] [L. decimatus, p. p. of decimare to decimate (in senses 1 & 2), fr. decimus tenth. See Decimal.]
  • 1. To take the tenth part of; to tithe. --Johnson. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. To select by lot and punish with death every tenth man of; as, to decimate a regiment as a punishment for mutiny. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. To destroy a considerable part of; as, to decimate an army in battle; to decimate a people by disease. [1913 Webster]