destruction

[dih-struhk-shuhn]

noun

1. the act of destroying.

   wanton destruction of a town.

2. the condition of being destroyed; demolition; annihilation.

3. a cause or means of destroying.

destruction

/ dɪˈstrʌkʃən /

noun

1. the act of destroying or state of being destroyed; demolition

2. a cause of ruin or means of destroying

Other Word Forms

• nondestruction noun
• predestruction noun
• semidestruction noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of destruction¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English (from Anglo-French ), from Latin dēstructiōn- (stem of dēstructiō ), equivalent to dēstruct(us) (past participle of dēstruere; destroy ) + -iōn- -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of destruction¹

C14: from Latin dēstructiō a pulling down; see _destroy

Synonym Study

See ruin.

Example Sentences

No one perceived the creative destruction of the Industrial Revolution more clearly than Karl Marx.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Melissa caused at least 59 deaths and massive destruction across the Caribbean this week, notably in Jamaica where it roared ashore as a top-strength Category 5 hurricane, before striking eastern Cuba.

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Communities on the island's western portion, such as Black River and Montego Bay, have seen the worst of the destruction.

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It said continuous heavy rainfall had caused the River Astiri and the River Sipi "to overflow, resulting in widespread destruction of homes, crop fields, and community infrastructure".

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Melissa swept across the region over a number of days and left behind a trail of destruction and dozens of people dead.

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Related Words

• annihilation 
• carnage 
• elimination 
• eradication 
• extermination www.thesaurus.com
• extinction 
• loss 
• massacre 
• murder 
• ruin 
• slaughter