destructive
[ dih-struhk-tiv ]
/ dɪˈstrʌk tɪv /
adjective
tending to destroy; causing destruction or much damage (often followed by of or to): a very destructive windstorm.
tending to overthrow, disprove, or discredit (opposed to constructive): destructive criticism.
Nearby words
Origin of destructive
1480–90; < Middle French < Late Latin dēstructīvus, equivalent to Latin dēstruct(us) (see destruction) + -īvus -ive
SYNONYMS FOR destructive
ANTONYMS FOR destructive
1 creative.
2 constructive.
Related forms
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for destructiveness
British Dictionary definitions for destructiveness
destructive
/ (dɪˈstrʌktɪv) /
adjective
(often postpositive and foll by of or to) causing or tending to cause the destruction (of)
intended to disprove or discredit, esp without positive suggestions or help; negativedestructive criticism Compare constructive (def. 1)
Derived Formsdestructively, adverbdestructiveness or destructivity (ˌdiːstrʌkˈtɪvɪtɪ), noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for destructiveness
destructive
late 15c., from Old French destructif (14c.), from Late Latin destructivus, from destruct-, past participle stem of Latin destruere (see destroy).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper