Desolate describes destruction during natural disasters, like hurricanes and tornadoes. It can also describe empty, lonely places. In addition, it can also mean a sad, lonely, hopeless feeling.
Everyone felt desolate when the tornado destroyed their homes.
She felt extremely desolate when her husband died.
She felt desolate when her boyfriend abandoned her.
The town was desolate, the trees lost their leaves, the flower was dreary, and there was chilly wind.
Nickname given to bales of marijuana thrown overboard or out of airplanes. Origin is reportedly from members of the US Coast Guard in the area of Southern Florida.