destruction

noun

de·​struc·​tion di-ˈstrək-shən How to pronounce destruction (audio)
Synonyms of destructionnext
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

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Despite trillions of dollars at stake, forest destruction—and the corporate role in driving it—is still widely treated as a peripheral issue. — Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025 That's because full destruction of the Iranian program is impossible at this point. — Faisal Kutty, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025 The destruction comes as Israeli forces are set to demolish over 100 homes across two northern refugee camps in the West Bank. — Julia Frankel, Los Angeles Times, 5 May 2025 However, after a two-decade-long legal battle, Arizona climbers are steeling themselves for the potential destruction of most of the boulders and hundreds of routes in Oak Flat area. — Sam MacIlwaine, Outside Online, 4 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for destruction

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of destruction was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing destruction

Rhymes for destruction

See All Rhymes for destruction

Browse Nearby Words

destructible
destruction
destructional
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Destruction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destruction. Accessed 13 May. 2025.

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Kids Definition

destruction

noun
de·​struc·​tion di-ˈstrək-shən How to pronounce destruction (audio)
1
: the state or fact of being destroyed : ruin
2
: the action or process of destroying something

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