The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Desolate \Des"o*late\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Desolated; p. pr. &
   vb. n. Desolating.]
   1. To make desolate; to leave alone; to deprive of
      inhabitants; as, the earth was nearly desolated by the
      flood.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. To lay waste; to ruin; to ravage; as, a fire desolates a
      city.
      [1913 Webster]

            Constructed in the very heart of a desolating war.
                                                  --Sparks.
      [1913 Webster]