destruction

noun

de·​struc·​tion di-ˈstrək-shən 

1

: the state or fact of being destroyed : ruin

scenes of death and destruction

the destruction of their careers

2

: the action or process of destroying something

the destruction of the building

3

: a destroying agency

Alcohol will be his destruction.

Synonyms

• annihilation
• decimation
• demolishment
• demolition
• desolation
• devastation
• extermination
• extinction
• havoc
• loss
• mincemeat
• obliteration
• ruin
• ruination
• wastage
• wreckage

Examples of destruction in a Sentence

War results in death and widespread destruction.

We are trying to save the building from destruction.

Recent Examples on the Web

Along with this, the enemy's oil refining industry facilities are becoming the objects of our destruction. —Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025

She’s credited with saving Hymenaeus from destruction during the war of Dionysus against the Indians. —Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 20 Jan. 2025

Israel’s ultimate war goal is the complete destruction of Hamas. —Mostafa Salem, CNN, 20 Jan. 2025

Roughly half the trucks will be dedicated for north Gaza, where the destruction is greatest. —Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English destruccioun, from Anglo-French destruction, from Latin destruction-, destructio, from destruere — see destroy

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing destruction

• seed/seeds of one's own destruction
• self-destruction
• weapon of mass destruction
• weapons of mass destruction

Kids Definition

destruction

noun

de·​struc·​tion di-ˈstrək-shən 

1

: the state or fact of being destroyed : ruin

2

: the action or process of destroying something