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

AccuWeather data from April showed Illinois already leading the nation in tornado, hail and high‑wind reports before the destruction last month. — Daily Southtown, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026

Meanwhile, some vendors have sued the city to obtain public records related to the seizure and destruction of vendor equipment. — Da Lin, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026

Flooding pours into Indiana homes and businesses Photos and videos out of Indiana show scenes of destruction as floodwater rushed into homes and businesses, leaving them in shambles. — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026

Any member can spew antisemitic vitriol and call for the destruction of the Jewish State. — Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 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