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

Helene hit Florida as a category 4 hurricane on Sept. 26, then creating a path of destruction through five other states, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia and Virginia. —Erin Clements, People.com, 21 Oct. 2024

And what is the Trump campaign producing if not fantastical propaganda intended to conjure a false image of Joe Biden’s America as a dark, dangerous place on the verge of destruction, besieged by immigrants, and savable only by one heroic man? —Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 21 Oct. 2024

As Wayne County jail inmates cause floods in the new facility, county officials have turned to a mechanical fix to stem the tide of destruction: heavy-duty sprinkler heads. —Amy Huschka, Detroit Free Press, 19 Oct. 2024

The Fly director David Cronenberg costars in a rare acting role as the sinister psychiatrist who invites destruction onto the community. —Katie Rife, EW.com, 18 Oct. 2024

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