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Simple English definitions for legal terms
decimation
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A quick definition of decimation:
Decimation means a great loss of life or destruction of people. In history, it also referred to a punishment where every tenth person was chosen by lot and punished, often by death. This punishment was used in the Roman army for soldiers who were mutinous or cowardly.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: Decimation is a term used to describe a situation where a large number of people are killed or destroyed. It can also refer to a historical practice where every tenth person was punished, often by death.
- During the war, the city suffered decimation as many of its citizens were killed or forced to flee.
- In ancient Rome, decimation was used as a punishment for mutiny or cowardice in the military. Every tenth soldier was chosen by lot and executed.
The examples illustrate how decimation can refer to both a large-scale destruction of people and a specific punishment where every tenth person is targeted. In both cases, the result is a significant loss of life or a severe consequence for those affected.