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

The United Nations Office for Disarmament says incendiary weapons can cause massive destruction and environmental damage. —Brad Lendon, CNN, 7 Sep. 2024

But for a director attempting to bear witness to the events of Oct. 7 from the Israeli point of view, Rosenberg makes sure to also reveal the mass destruction taking place just kilometers away in Gaza. —Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Sep. 2024

This relentless persecution, coupled with habitat destruction and disease, rapidly drove thylacine numbers to dangerously low levels. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 6 Sep. 2024

Whether it’s haphazardly done or considerate, causing destruction to people’s private lives should never be taken so casually. —Tanyel Mustafa, refinery29.com, 5 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