destruction

noun

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

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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.
The end of saving money and raising middle-class wages justifies the means, namely, the destruction of immigrant families. — Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026 The destruction releases vast stores of carbon, adding to climate change that is already contributing to drought and forest fires across the tropics. — Ruben Nyanguila, semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2026 The lawsuit alleged the company failed to monitor the property and alert authorities to the fire, contributing to the historic landmark’s destruction. — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 16 Oct. 2026 This destruction derby, which was recently observed by the James Webb Space Telescope, has a messy distribution of mass that only makes sense if dark matter and ordinary matter got torn asunder during the collision. — Quanta Magazine, 14 Oct. 2026 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

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Browse Nearby Words

destructible
destruction
destructional
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Cite this Entry

“Destruction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destruction. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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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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