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

While data breaches and hacks can trigger financial loss and chaos—from data-wiping to hospital shutdowns—the activities usually stop short of causing widespread loss of life or devastating physical destruction. —Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 26 Mar. 2026

Iran hit back, firing two rounds of missiles at central Israel causing destruction and injuries. —Npr Staff, NPR, 26 Mar. 2026

The effort included the destruction of several bridges along the Litani, which Katz claimed were being used by Hezbollah. —David Brennan, ABC News, 26 Mar. 2026

Fusion Centers have circulated false reports that antifa protesters were staging piles of bricks to sow destruction in Maine and targeting the annual massive motorcycle rally in Sturgis, South Dakota. —Sacbee.com, 25 Mar. 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