lay (something) waste
To destroy or ruin something. The military invaded the small country and laid several towns waste in the process. The fire laid waste an entire block of houses.
lay waste
To destroy or ruin. The fire laid waste to an entire block of houses. The plundering army assembled and made ready to lay waste.
lay waste
Ravage, ruin, as in The hurricane laid waste the entire seashore. Originally referring to the devastation caused by attackers, this term has come to be used more generally.
lay waste
To ravage: Rebel troops laid waste the town.