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 bottom line: Hurricane Helene has killed more than 200 people, and the destruction from the storm will take months to clear. —Erica Pandey, Axios, 10 Oct. 2024

One more paragraph: The first response of many to the destruction of New Orleans and other areas was to revile George Bush — and conservatism and Republicans and much else. —Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 10 Oct. 2024

Latest on Milton Jonathan Vigliotti reports on the destruction in Florida brought by this week's Category 5 hurricane. —David Morgan, CBS News, 10 Oct. 2024

Many residents are still struggling to find housing, and the destruction of major roads in the already difficult terrain of southern Appalachia has made the distribution of aid challenging. —Joe Kottke, NBC News, 10 Oct. 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