destruction

de·struc·tion

noun \di-ˈstrək-shən\

Definition of DESTRUCTION

1

: the state or fact of being destroyed : ruin

2

: the action or process of destroying something

3

: a destroying agency

Examples of DESTRUCTION

1. War results in death and widespread destruction.
2. We are trying to save the building from destruction.

Origin of DESTRUCTION

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

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to DESTRUCTION

Synonyms

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

Antonyms

building, construction, erection, raising

Related Words

depredation, despoilment, despoliation; breakup, collapse, disintegration, dissolution; assassination, execution, killing, massacre, slaughter; dismantlement, effacement, eradication

Near Antonyms

rescue, salvage, salvation, saving; conservation, preservation, protection; reclamation, reconstruction, re-creation, refurbishment, regeneracy, remodeling, renovation, restoration

Rhymes with DESTRUCTION

abduction, adduction, conduction, construction, deduction, eduction, effluxion, induction, instruction, obstruction, production, reduction, seduction, subduction, transduction