destruction

destruction — noun

1. the process or result of causing so much harm to a building, object, system, or

1.nounB2
Definition

the process or result of causing so much harm to a building, object, system, or living thing that it is completely ruined, damaged beyond repair, or stops existing.

Example

The earthquake caused widespread destruction across the city's historic centre.

collocation: widespread destruction

Haruto stared at the destruction of his childhood home after the fire.

pattern: destruction of [something]

Common collocations
  • widespread destruction
  • total destruction
  • complete destruction
  • environmental destruction
  • causes destruction
  • brings destruction
  • leads to destruction
  • trail of destruction
  • weapons of mass destruction
  • destruction of [something]
Synonyms
  • ruin

    focuses on the spoiled or worthless state that results, often used for abstract things like reputation or plans

  • devastation

    stronger and more emotional; describes widespread destruction that leaves an area bare or empty

  • demolition

    refers specifically to the planned, deliberate pulling down of buildings or structures

Antonyms
  • creation

    the act of bringing something into existence, opposite of destroying it

  • preservation

    keeping something in its original good condition, the opposite of letting it be destroyed

Grammar Patterns

destruction + of + noun phrase

Usage Note

Frequently used with adjectives of degree such as 'widespread', 'total', or 'complete', and in the fixed phrase 'a trail of destruction' describing a path of damage left by a disaster.

Common Mistakes

The storm caused a lot of destruction to my garden.
The storm caused a lot of damage to my garden.
'Destruction' implies total ruin or something cannot be repaired, whereas 'damage' is better for partial harm.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Destruction is the broadest term for damaging something so badly it cannot be repaired or no longer exists. Ruin focuses on the spoiled, worthless state that remains — a ruined building is still standing but unusable. Devastation is more intense and emotional, often describing widespread damage that leaves an area empty or barren. Demolition refers to the planned, deliberate pulling down of structures by people or machines. For example: 'The earthquake brought destruction to the whole region'; 'The business was in ruins after the scandal'; 'The tsunami caused total devastation along the coast'; 'The old hotel is scheduled for demolition next week.'

ruin ↗devastation ↗demolition ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • trail of destruction
  • weapons of mass destruction
  • cause destruction
  • wreak destruction

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Destruction comes from Latin 'destructio(n-)', from 'destruere' meaning 'pull down, demolish'. This breaks down further into 'de-' (down, away) and 'struere' (to build). The word entered English through Old French during the 14th century, first carrying the sense of physical demolition and later broadening to include abstract ruin.