| 释义 |
debacle|dɪˈbɑːk(ə)l|
Also débâcle.
[a. F. débâcle, vbl. n. from débâcler to unbar, remove a bar, f. dé- = des- (see de- I. 6) + bâcler to bar.]
1. A breaking up of ice in a river; in Geol. a sudden deluge or violent rush of water, which breaks down opposing barriers, and carries before it blocks of stone and other debris.
1802Playfair Illustr. Hutton. Th. 402 Valleys are so particularly constructed as to carry with them a still stronger refutation of the existence of a debacle. 1823W. Buckland Reliq. Diluv. 158 They could have been transported by no other force than that of a tremendous deluge or debacle of water. 1893Daily Tel. 1 Feb., The debacle in the United States..Telegrams state that the breaking up of the ice is being attended with great damage.
2. transf. and fig. A sudden breaking up or downfall; a confused rush or rout, a stampede.
1848Thackeray Van. Fair xxxii, The Brunswickers were routed and had fled..It was a general débâcle. 1887Graphic 15 Jan. 59/2 In the nightly débâcle [he] is often content to stand aside. |