havoc

/ˈhæv.ək/noun

Great damage, destruction, or chaos affecting a wide area.

Example sentences

“The flood caused havoc across the entire valley.”
“Heavy snow brought havoc to roads and airports across the Midwest.”

Locked into two phrases: to 'wreak havoc' and to 'play havoc with'. The past of wreak is 'wreaked', not 'wrought', a point even careful writers trip on.

Synonyms for havoc

chaos
destruction
devastation
mayhem
disorder

Antonyms

order
calm
peace

Related words

haughtyBehaving as if you are better or more important than other people; proud and scornful.hazardousDangerous, especially to people's health or safety.harshUnkind, severe, or cruel in a way that is hard to accept.harrowingExtremely upsetting or frightening to experience, see, or hear about.headstrongInsisting on doing things your own way, regardless of what others advise.heartbreakIntense sorrow or emotional pain, usually caused by losing someone or being badly disappointed.