Spared some terrible devastation (5)
I believe the answer is:
saved
'spared' is the definition.
('save' can be a synonym of 'spare')
'some terrible devastation' is the wordplay.
'SAVED' is hidden backwards within the letters.
However, I am unsure how this is indicated.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for saved that I've seen before include "Redeemed or stored" , "Conserved" , "Preserved" , "Delivered" , "Rescued; put by" .)