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

As recently as May, a Telegram account ostensibly linked to the party posted a video calling for the violent toppling of electrical towers and the destruction of power grids.

From Salon

“The destruction is so substantial that it indicates the intention to permanently displace many people,” it warns.

From BBC

HRW’s report - based on interviews with displaced Palestinians, analysis of Israeli evacuation orders, satellite imagery showing destruction of buildings, and videos and photos of strikes - concludes that there is no plausible imperative military reason to justify the displacement of nearly all of Gaza’s population and that the other conditions for it be lawful have also not been met.

From BBC

Another independent study found that both hardening the home and clearing nearby spaces of flammable brush cut the chance of destruction in half — from 40% chance to 20%.

From Los Angeles Times

Residents in the foothills above Camarillo are grappling with scenes of staggering destruction after the Mountain fire flattened scores of homes.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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