destruction

noun

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

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 Helene hit Florida as a category 4 hurricane on Sept. 26, then creating a path of destruction through five other states, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia and Virginia. Erin Clements, People.com, 21 Oct. 2024 And what is the Trump campaign producing if not fantastical propaganda intended to conjure a false image of Joe Biden’s America as a dark, dangerous place on the verge of destruction, besieged by immigrants, and savable only by one heroic man? Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 21 Oct. 2024 As Wayne County jail inmates cause floods in the new facility, county officials have turned to a mechanical fix to stem the tide of destruction: heavy-duty sprinkler heads. Amy Huschka, Detroit Free Press, 19 Oct. 2024 The Fly director David Cronenberg costars in a rare acting role as the sinister psychiatrist who invites destruction onto the community. Katie Rife, EW.com, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for destruction 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'destruction.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near destruction

Cite this Entry

“Destruction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destruction. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on destruction

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