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

Another form of demand destruction is the trend towards remote work, which reduces gasoline consumption involved in commuting. —George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026

Christian villages, where Hezbollah has little presence, have been largely spared the destruction of neighboring Shiite villages. —ABC News, 18 June 2026

Rinderknecht is charged with destruction of property by means of fire, arson affecting property used in interstate commerce and timber set afire. —Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2026

Israeli attacks and the destruction of villages have killed thousands and set off a displacement crisis. —Reuters, NBC news, 18 June 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