Can anybody defend the use of this word in the BBC news
tonight?
" Last Updated: Sunday, 1 June, 2003, 03:40 GMT 04:40 UK

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Giant tree destroyed by fire


By Phil Mercer
BBC correspondent in Sydney



El Grande fell victim to a burn-off to clear undergrowth [pic courtesy of Wilderness Society]

An independent report has confirmed Australian environmentalists' claims that fire has devastated Australia's tallest tree on the island of Tasmania."

The tree was killed, but that's not news. Gotta have a word
that's more impressive. Even if absurd.