Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
DESOLATE
I. adjective
Etymology: Middle English desolat, from Latin desolatus, past participle of desolare to abandon, from de- + solus alone
Date: 14th century
devoid of inhabitants and visitors ; deserted, joyless, disconsolate, and sorrowful through or as if through separation from a loved one ,
3. showing the effects of abandonment and neglect ; dilapidated , barren , lifeless , devoid of warmth, comfort, or hope ; gloomy , see: alone desolately adverb desolateness noun
II. transitive verb (-lated; -lating)
Date: 14th century
to make desolate:, to deprive of inhabitants, to lay waste, forsake , to make wretched, desolater or desolator noun desolatingly adverb