Destruction
dɪˈstrʌkʃən
Definitions
2 meaningsThe act of destroying something or the state of being destroyed; ruin; devastation.
dɪˈstrʌkʃən
The act of causing so much damage that something cannot be used or no longer exists.
The hurricane brought widespread destruction to the coastal areas.
💡 Simply: Destruction is like when you accidentally knock over a tower of blocks you built - it’s the end of something, a big mess! Or when a building falls down after a bomb.
👶 For kids: When something is broken or ruined so it can't be used anymore.
More Examples
The company faced destruction after the market crash.
The ancient city was left in ruins after the enemy's destruction.
How It's Used
"The bombing raid caused widespread destruction of the city."
"Deforestation leads to the destruction of habitats."
"The fire caused the complete destruction of the building."
The state of being destroyed or the process of being destroyed.
dɪˈstrʌkʃən
The state of being destroyed.
The flood left the town in a state of utter destruction.
💡 Simply: The result after something is destroyed, the mess left behind.
👶 For kids: When something is all broken and messy.
More Examples
Witnesses described the scene of destruction as horrific.
The archaeologist studied the signs of destruction left by the ancient civilization.
How It's Used
"The building was in a state of destruction after the explosion."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
From Latin *dēstructiō* ("demolition, overthrow"), from *dēstruō* ("demolish, destroy"), from *dē-* ("down, away") + *struō* ("build").
The word 'destruction' has been used since the 14th century, initially referring to the action of destroying something, but later, to the state of being destroyed.
Memory tip
Imagine a wrecking ball. That's destruction: a wrecking ball causing damage.
Word Origin
"to demolish, destroy"