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

Experts note that this preparation could have required munitions capable of penetrating deeply to ensure destruction. —Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 12 Mar. 2026

For 47 years, it's been pumping terror, death, destruction, wars, persecution, taking away women's rights. —Adam Duxter, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026

But resilience should not become an excuse to accept cycles of destruction. —Sarah Al Asmar, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2026

The Israeli goals for the end of the war appear deeper, including perhaps the complete destruction of Iran as a working state, Shirreff said. —Guy Davies, ABC News, 12 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