Destruction — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /di-ˈstrək-shən/ de·struc·tion

Meaning & Definition of Destruction

Destruction (noun)

  1. the state or fact of being destroyed, ruin
  2. the action or process of destroying something
  3. a destroying agency

Destruction (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the state or fact of being rendered nonexistent, physically unsound, or useless

    "the violent storm resulted in the destruction of their tree house"

    similar: annihilation, decimation, demolishment, demolition, desolation, devastation, extermination, extinction, havoc, loss, mincemeat, obliteration, ruin, ruination, wastage, wreckage
    related: depredation, despoilment, despoliation, breakup, collapse, disintegration, dissolution, assassination, execution, killing, massacre, slaughter, dismantlement, effacement, eradication
    opposite: building, construction, erection, raising
    near: rescue, salvage, salvation, saving, conservation, preservation, protection, reclamation, reconstruction, re-creation, refurbishment, regeneracy, remodeling, renovation, restoration

  2. something that is the cause of one's ultimate failure or loss of life

    "alcohol will be her destruction if we don't intervene to help her"

    similar: death, downfall, ruin, ruination, undoing, kiss of death
    related: bane, curse, torment, Achilles' heel, tragic flaw

Related Entry: Self-destruction (noun)

Self-destruction is a different word from Destruction. The synonyms below are for self-destruction, not for destruction.

  1. the act of deliberately killing oneself

    "the controversy over self-destruction accomplished with the assistance of a physician or other person"

    similar: self-murder, self-slaughter, suicide
    related: hara-kiri, martyrdom, blood, foul play, homicide, murder, rubout, slaying, chance-medley, dispatch, killing, manslaughter, assassination, execution, euthanasia, mercy killing

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Destruction

The most common words with a similar meaning to Destruction:

annihilation, decimation, demolishment, demolition, desolation, devastation, extermination, extinction, havoc, loss, mincemeat, obliteration, ruin, ruination, wastage, wreckage, death, downfall, undoing, kiss of death

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Destruction

Words with the opposite meaning of Destruction:

building, construction, erection, raising

Related Words for Destruction

depredation, despoilment, despoliation, breakup, collapse, disintegration, dissolution, assassination, execution, killing, massacre, slaughter, dismantlement, effacement, eradication, bane, curse, torment, Achilles' heel, tragic flaw

Near Antonyms of Destruction

rescue, salvage, salvation, saving, conservation, preservation, protection, reclamation, reconstruction, re-creation, refurbishment, regeneracy, remodeling, renovation, restoration

Origin & Etymology of Destruction

Middle English destruccioun, from Anglo-French destruction, from Latin destruction-, destructio, from destruere see destroy

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Destruction

Words & Phrases Containing Destruction

self-destruction, seed/seeds of one's own destruction, weapon of mass destruction, weapons of mass destruction

Frequently Asked Questions about Destruction

What does "Destruction" mean?

"Destruction" means the state or fact of being destroyed, ruin. As a noun, it is defined as: the state or fact of being destroyed, ruin. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Destruction"?

Other words for "Destruction" include annihilation, decimation, demolishment, demolition, desolation, devastation, extermination and extinction. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Destruction" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Destruction"?

There are 40 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Destruction". Common alternatives include annihilation, decimation, demolishment, demolition, desolation, devastation, extermination, extinction, havoc and loss.

What is the opposite of "Destruction"?

Antonyms of "Destruction" include building, construction, erection and raising. Near antonyms include rescue, salvage, salvation and saving.

How do you use "Destruction" in a sentence?

Examples of "Destruction" in a sentence: "the violent storm resulted in the destruction of their tree house"; "alcohol will be her destruction if we don't intervene to help her".

Is "Destruction" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Destruction" is a noun.

Is "Destruction" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Destruction" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Destruction"?

"Destruction" is pronounced /di-ˈstrək-shən/ and divided into syllables as de·struc·tion.