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 of destruction

• devastation
• havoc
• demolition
• extinction
• loss
• extermination

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

Palestinians possess no natural gift for grief and there is nothing beautiful about enduring destruction and death. — Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026

The real worry is that, just as with Time and Newsweek, the destruction of the 60 Minutes brand will come not from a sudden collapse but a gradual erosion, in both quality and ratings. — Josef Adalian, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2026

Hartman, a human resource specialist, watched in disbelief as newscasters ran footage of the destruction in New York and nearby Arlington, Virginia. — Usa Today Staff, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026

These are just two of the many scenes of destruction the hurricane has left in Hawaii after lashing the state’s western islands with heavy rain, widespread flooding and tropical-storm-force winds on Monday and Tuesday. — Liz Kreutz, NBC news, 9 Sep. 2026

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

Rhymes for destruction

• abduction
• adduction
• conduction
• construction
• deduction
• eduction
• induction
• instruction
• obstruction
• production
• reduction
• seduction

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