Decimation

Picture What images come to mind when you hear the words decimate and decimation? What feelings arise?
 
Decimate has its origins in ancient Proto-Indo-European (PIE) dekm and Latin decem, both meaning ten. Latin decem is the origin of decimal and decade. In the Roman calendar, in which the year began in March, December was the tenth month.
 
So, why does the number ten have such connotations of death and destruction?
 
Latin decem is also the origin of decimatus meaning the removal or destruction of one-tenth. In the Roman army, the punishment for extreme cases of cowardice, desertion, insubordination, or mutiny was the killing of every tenth man in a squad or battalion. These men would be chosen by lots and then stoned, stabbed, or beaten to death with ax handles by their comrades.
 
Imagine for a moment having to kill one of your comrades.
 
Even today, the images associated decimation carry far more emotion and feeling than the original word which simply meant ‘one in ten’. It is no wonder that the strong feelings associated with the word decimatus continue to haunt us. When we hear the word decimation, we can’t help but think of massive destruction or even annihilation.  
 
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
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Published on November 28, 2021 11:56
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