First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
destruction
noun de·struc·tion \di-ˈstrək-shən\
: the act or process of damaging something so badly that it no longer exists or cannot be repaired : the act or process of destroying something
Full Definition of DESTRUCTION
2
: the action or process of destroying something
3
: a destroying agency
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Origin of DESTRUCTION
Middle English destruccioun, from Anglo-French destruction, from Latin destruction-, destructio, from destruere
Related to DESTRUCTION
- Synonyms
- annihilation, decimation, demolishment, demolition, desolation, devastation, extermination, extinction, havoc, loss, mincemeat, obliteration, ruin, ruination, wastage, wreckage
- Antonyms
- building, construction, erection, raising
Rhymes with DESTRUCTION
DESTRUCTION Defined for Kids
destruction
noun de·struc·tion \di-ˈstrək-shən\
Definition of DESTRUCTION for Kids
1
: the act or process of killing, ruining, or putting an end to something <Destruction of the old building is underway.>
2
: the state or fact of being killed, ruined, or brought to an end <Destruction of the animal's habitat nearly caused its extinction.>
Word Root of DESTRUCTION
The Latin word struere, meaning “to build,” and its form structus give us the root struct. Words from the Latin struere have something to do with building. A structure is something that was built, such as a house. To construct is to build by combining parts together. To obstruct is to build an obstacle that blocks a passage or path. Destruction is the process of taking apart something that was built.
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