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Definition of debacle

debacle

/dɪˈbɑː.kəl/
de · ba · cle
Plural:debacles
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debacle Lexical Profile

debacle Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A sudden, ignominious, and complete failure or collapse; a fiasco.

Example

"The poorly planned software launch quickly turned into an expensive public relations debacle."

2

A sudden breaking up of ice in a river, or the violent flood of water and debris that follows.

Example

"The spring thaw triggered a massive debacle along the northern river, sweeping away timber bridges."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for debacle

• Nearby Words

deathtrap
deathwish
deb
debacle
debar
debark
debarment

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 19th century from French débâcle ('a breaking up of ice in a river'), from the verb débâcler ('to unbar or unleash'), formed from dé- ('un-') and bâcler ('to bar or bolt'), ultimately from Latin baculum ('staff or rod').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Debacle. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/debacle
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