Skip to main content

destruction — the action or process of causing so much damage to something that it no longer exists or cannot be repaired

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: the action or process of causing so much damage to something that it no longer exists or cannot be repaired

Pronunciation (IPA): /dɪˈstrʌkʃən/

Example Sentences

  • My mom's reaction to my messy room was like witnessing mass destruction.
  • The natural disaster resulted in the destruction of many historic buildings.
  • His attempt at cooking led to the complete destruction of the kitchen.

destruction

NOUN

[/dɪˈstrʌkʃən/]

the action or process of causing so much damage to something that it no longer exists or cannot be repaired

While the gentle breeze merely rustled the summer leaves, the violent gale caused widespread destruction across the garden.
💡 Concept

While the gentle breeze merely rustled the summer leaves, the violent gale caused widespread destruction across the garden.

The heavy steel ball reversed the careful construction, leaving a scene of complete destruction.
🧠 Mnemonic

The heavy steel ball reversed the careful construction, leaving a scene of complete destruction.

After a productive harvest and constructive building work, the wildfire brought sudden destruction to the forest.
🎵 Rhyme

After a productive harvest and constructive building work, the wildfire brought sudden destruction to the forest.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/dɪˈstrʌkʃən/
🇬🇧 UK/dɪˈstrʌkʃən/

🌳Etymology

Prefixde--
Rootstruct
Suffix--tion

Origin

From Latin 'destructio', derived from 'destruere' meaning 'to tear down' or 'to destroy', composed of the prefix 'de-' (down) and 'struere' (to build or pile up).

Breakdown

de- (down) + struct (build) + -ion (noun suffix) = destruction

🎵Rhyme

construction
instruction
production

🔗Collocations

mass destruction
environmental destruction
total destruction
cause destruction
widespread destruction

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“My mom's reaction to my messy room was like witnessing mass destruction.”

“The natural disaster resulted in the destruction of many historic buildings.”

😄 Fun example

“His attempt at cooking led to the complete destruction of the kitchen.”

“War brings nothing but destruction and suffering to innocent people.”

📚Related Words

Want to master 27,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.