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 California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) has declared the Palisades and Eaton fires fully contained after nearly three and a half weeks of destruction across Southern California. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 1 Feb. 2025

Contributor As natural disasters ravage the U.S. and beyond, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake, the human toll and emotional devastation are immeasurable. —William Jones, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2025

Somehow the spirit of our house still shines bright; in striking defiance of destruction. —Ed Massey, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Jan. 2025

As a result, Damascus and other key cities did not endure another wave of destruction. —Scott Peterson, The Christian Science Monitor, 31 Jan. 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

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