destruction

noun

de·​struc·​tion di-ˈstrək-shən How to pronounce destruction (audio)
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.

Example Sentences

War results in death and widespread destruction. We are trying to save the building from destruction.
Recent Examples on the Web The scale of destruction implied by threats to use nuclear weapons is beyond any moral measure. Zia Mian, Scientific American, 17 May 2023 Mayhem, carnage, smash-ups and wanton destruction ensue — and that’s just in the first 10 minutes. Ann Hornaday, Washington Post, 17 May 2023 Tarrio was convicted of obstruction of law enforcement and destruction of government property during the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. Imelda García, Dallas News, 16 May 2023 Or because of their speed, power, and potential for destruction. Popular Mechanics, 16 May 2023 Before the storm, aid agencies in Myanmar, as well as neighboring Bangladesh, launched a massive emergency plan in a bid to minimize the risk of injury and destruction. Rhea Mogul, CNN, 15 May 2023 Scott Eric Anderson, 43, and Paul New, 55, both of Fresno, were charged with conspiracy to destroy by means of an explosive device and malicious destruction, federal prosecutors announced. Joel Umanzor, San Francisco Chronicle, 12 May 2023 Roughly 70% of the blue metal is supplied from the Congo, where organizations have called out human-rights violation and environmental destruction that have been committed in efforts to produce it. Yusuf Khan, WSJ, 11 May 2023 The tournament was founded 18 years ago, in response to the destruction of the environment by invasive carp. Carolyn Hagler, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 May 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'destruction.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of destruction was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near destruction

Cite this Entry

“Destruction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destruction. Accessed 29 May. 2023.

Kids Definition

destruction

noun
de·​struc·​tion di-ˈstrək-shən How to pronounce destruction (audio)
1
: the state or fact of being destroyed : ruin
2
: the action or process of destroying something

More from Merriam-Webster on destruction

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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