Destruction: Definition, Usage & Examples

Meaning 1：complete ruin (destruction)

destruction 🔊

/dɪˈstrʌkʃən/

the action of destroying something completely so it can't be used or fixed.

Destruction illustrated by earthquake aftermath showing collapsed buildings and rubble

complete ruin 🔊

➕

/kəmˈpliːt ˈruːɪn/

Refers to the action or result of something being totally destroyed, rendering it unusable or irreparable.

📁 Category：Natural Geography 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'destructio', from 'de-' (down) + 'struere' (build), meaning 'tear down'.

💡 Mnemonic

DE-struct-ion: DE means undo, STRUCT means build, so destruction is un-building or ruining.

📖 Example

The typhoon left a path of destruction along the coast, with houses flattened and trees uprooted. 🔊 The typhoon caused extensive destruction along the coast, flattening houses and uprooting trees.

🔗 Collocations

widespread destruction – destruction affecting a large area

complete destruction – total and utter ruin

path of destruction – the trail of damage left by something destructive

🔄 Synonyms

ruin (n.) – the state of being destroyed or decayed

devastation (n.) – great destruction or damage

demolition (n.) – the action of destroying something, especially a building

🚫 Antonyms

construction (n.) – the action of building something

creation (n.) – the action of bringing something into existence

preservation (n.) – the action of maintaining something in its original state

🌱 Derivatives

destructive (adj.) – causing great damage or harm

destroy (v.) – to damage something so badly that it no longer exists or works

destructible (adj.) – able to be destroyed

📖 Cultural Story

Originating from Latin 'destructio', it entered English in the 14th century, often used to describe severe damage in wars or natural disasters.