n. [ F. débâcle, fr. débâcler to unbar, break loose; pref. dé- (prob. = L. dis) + bâcler to bolt, fr. L. baculum a stick. ] 1. (Geol.) A breaking or bursting forth; a violent rush or flood of waters which breaks down opposing barriers, and hurls forward and disperses blocks of stone and other débris. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. A sudden breaking up or breaking loose; a violent dispersion or disruption; impetuous rush; outburst. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ] 3. a complete and ludicrous failure; a rout, as of an army; a great disaster; a fiasco. [ PJC ] |