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

I am doubtful that the majority who chose to reject America’s first female president and a woman of color fully grasped the scale of destruction that voting for Trump will unleash, but they soon will.

From Salon

Much of the death and destruction was caused by US weapons, given to Israel in order the help the fight Hamas.

From BBC

They are staying with a friend after the destruction of their flat; she said they sleep in the corridor at night to shelter from the constant drone attacks.

From BBC

Much of the death and destruction was caused by US weapons, given to Israel in order the help the fight against Hamas after the 7 October 2023, attack.

From BBC

Over the next three days, the Woolsey fire would cut a path of destruction through southeast Ventura County and the hills of Malibu, burning literally to the sand next to Pacific Coast Highway.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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