destruction

[ dih-struhk-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of destroying:

   wanton destruction of a town.

2. the condition of being destroyed; demolition; annihilation.
3. a cause or means of destroying.

destruction

/ dɪˈstrʌkʃən /

noun

1. the act of destroying or state of being destroyed; demolition
2. a cause of ruin or means of destroying

Other Words From

• nonde·struction noun
• prede·struction noun
• semi·de·struction noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of destruction¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English (from Anglo-French ), from Latin dēstructiōn- (stem of dēstructiō ), equivalent to dēstruct(us) (past participle of dēstruere; destroy ) + -iōn- -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of destruction¹

C14: from Latin dēstructiō a pulling down; see destroy

Synonym Study

See ruin.

Example Sentences

After the destruction, Smith wrote a song with a friend called “One of These Days” that went viral on Facebook.

From Los Angeles Times

Ecocide is defined by experts as a "wanton" act of destruction, carried out with "reckless disregard for damage which would be clearly excessive in relation to the social and economic benefits anticipated."

From Salon

Footage from the city verified by the BBC showed massive destruction, with residential buildings heavily damaged.

From BBC

A Unifil spokesman in Geneva said UN peacekeepers were seeing increased levels of violence, with "huge, shocking" destruction across the blue line - the UN-recognised boundary that separates Israel and Lebanon.

From BBC

Under the RCA, people can claim for their personal or business property if it is not adequately covered by insurance for the damage, destruction or theft resulting from a riot.

From BBC

Related Words

• annihilation
• carnage
• elimination
• eradication
• extermination
• extinction
• loss
• massacre
• murder
• ruin
• slaughter