Destruction: meaning, definitions and examples

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destruction

 

[ dɪˈstrʌkʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in war

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

Synonyms

devastation, ruin, wreckage

Examples of usage

  • Many buildings were left in ruins after the destruction caused by the bombing.
  • The destruction of the enemy's ammunition supplies was a key objective of the operation.
Context #2 | Noun

environment

the action or process of damaging the environment, resulting in harm to the ecosystem

Synonyms

damage, degradation, depletion

Examples of usage

  • The destruction of the rainforest is causing irreparable damage to biodiversity.
  • Efforts to prevent the destruction of coral reefs are crucial for marine conservation.
Context #3 | Noun

personal

the act of ruining or destroying something, especially someone's reputation or life

Synonyms

decay, demolition, ruin

Examples of usage

  • The scandal led to the destruction of his career in politics.
  • She felt the destruction of her dreams when the business failed.

Translations

Translations of the word "destruction" in other languages:

🇵🇹 destruição

🇮🇳 विनाश

🇩🇪 Zerstörung

🇮🇩 penghancuran

🇺🇦 знищення

🇵🇱 zniszczenie

🇯🇵 破壊 (はかい)

🇫🇷 destruction

🇪🇸 destrucción

🇹🇷 yıkım

🇰🇷 파괴 (破壞)

🇸🇦 تدمير

🇨🇿 zničení

🇸🇰 zničenie

🇨🇳 破坏 (pòhuài)

🇸🇮 uničenje

🇮🇸 eyðilegging

🇰🇿 жою

🇬🇪 განადგურება

🇦🇿 məhv

🇲🇽 destrucción

Etymology

The word 'destruction' originated from the Latin word 'destruere', which means 'to tear down'. The concept of destruction has been a part of human history since ancient times, often associated with wars, natural disasters, and human actions. Over the centuries, the understanding of destruction has evolved to include environmental degradation and personal ruin. The impact of destruction on societies and ecosystems continues to be a significant concern in the modern world.

See also: destroy, destroyer, indestructible.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,363, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.