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

• 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

Hopefully the residents of Hawkins will have peace in the end — but not before more destruction. —Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 16 July 2025

Video footage of the waterspout and photos of the destruction at Paw Paw Point were reviewed and verified by the NWS. —Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 15 July 2025

The result is not just abuses against citizens and their constitutional rights, but the destruction of public trust in police officers and law enforcement in general. —The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 15 July 2025

The emergency biscuits slated for destruction represent only a small fraction of America’s typical annual investment in food aid. —Hana Kiros, The Atlantic, 15 July 2025

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