: the act or process of damaging something so badly that it no longer exists or cannot be repaired : the act or process of destroying something
a scene of destruction
War results in death and widespread destruction.
We are trying to save the building from destruction.
weapons of mass destruction [=weapons that can destroy entire buildings, cities, etc.]
His phenomenal success carried within it the seeds of its own destruction. [=the thing that made him successful eventually caused him to fail]
—often + ofthe destruction of documents/evidence
The storm caused the destruction of many homes.
Cite this Entry
“Destruction.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/destruction. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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