B2noun3K

Destruction

UK /["/dɪˈstrʌkʃn/"]/US /["/dɪˈstrʌkʃn/"]/

Definition

the act of destroying something; the process of being destroyed

In simple words: the act of damaging or destroying something completely

Examples

  • The destruction caused by the hurricane was devastating to the coastal town.
  • War often leads to widespread destruction of cities and infrastructure.
  • The demolition team carried out the destruction of the old factory safely.
  • Environmental destruction is a major concern for conservationists worldwide.
  • The film depicted the destruction of an ancient civilization by natural disasters.

Usage notes

Use 'destruction' in both formal and neutral contexts. It's appropriate when discussing significant damage, such as in natural disasters or warfare, but less so in casual conversation.

Grammar pattern

destruction + of + object

Memory hint

Think of 'destruction' as 'de-stress' - when something gets totally torn apart, it might stress you out!

Collocations

  • complete
  • total
  • utter
  • bring (about)
  • cause
  • lead to
  • leave a trail of destruction
  • the seeds of destruction
  • test something to destruction

Synonyms

  • ruin
  • devastation
  • annihilation
  • demolition
  • wreckage

Antonyms

  • construction
  • creation
  • building

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'destruction' with 'construction'
  • Using 'destruction' where a more casual term like 'damage' would fit better
  • Misunderstanding the noun form and using it as a verb