'Decimate' means much more today than it did in ancient Rome
Today, most people know the word as a synonym for "destroy." But fewer realize its origins — or that it's come to mean something strikingly different than it once did.
Today, most people know the word as a synonym for "destroy." But fewer realize its origins — or that it's come to mean something strikingly different than it once did.
This article was originally published at: https://www.npr.org/2026/05/01/nx-s1-5775464/decimate-anc...