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

• annihilation
• decimation
• demolishment
• demolition
• desolation
• devastation
• extermination
• extinction
• havoc
• loss
• mincemeat
• obliteration
• ruin
• ruination
• wastage
• wreckage

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 war at its height displaced around 90% of Gaza’s population and has caused vast destruction across the territory. —Ibrahim Hazboun, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2025

Another defendant, Lucy Grace Nelson, was charged in Colorado federal court on Feb. 26 with malicious destruction of property. —Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 20 Mar. 2025

Given Björk’s ongoing activism through song, the film will also curate a postapocalyptic utopia, void of environmental destruction. —Kalia Richardson, Rolling Stone, 20 Mar. 2025

In her address to the vacancy committee at its meeting, Wallace referenced the destruction the Marshall Fire caused and said the Sierra Club, an environmental organization, endorsed her campaign. —Boulder Daily Camera, The Denver Post, 19 Mar. 2025

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