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

The study follows previous work by Luterbacher involving the extraction of lignin from plants without causing its structural destruction. —Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 2 Jan. 2026

And only by comprehending the Star Eaters will Ro also comprehend his part in their potential destruction. —Literary Hub, 2 Jan. 2026

Cyclops, looking distraught as fiery destruction is seen behind him. —Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 2 Jan. 2026

The end of the episode jumps ahead 18 months after Eleven's disappearance with the destruction of the Upside Down. —Brianne Tracy, PEOPLE, 2 Jan. 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