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

Those officials also warn of the potential for destruction on the Lebanese side. —Matt Gutman, ABC News, 17 Sep. 2024

In December 2002, Routh was convicted in Greensboro, North Carolina, of possession of a weapon of mass death and destruction, a Class F felony. —Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2024

In North Carolina in 2002, he had been convicted of possession of a weapon of mass death and destruction, a felony under state law. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 16 Sep. 2024

Routh's criminal history included multiple prior felonies, including a 2002 conviction of possession of a weapon of mass death and destruction after a standoff with police in North Carolina. —Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 16 Sep. 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