From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
destruction
n 1: the termination of something by causing so much damage to
it that it cannot be repaired or no longer exists [syn:
destruction, devastation]
2: an event (or the result of an event) that completely destroys
something [syn: destruction, demolition, wipeout]
3: a final state; "he came to a bad end"; "the so-called
glorious experiment came to an inglorious end" [syn: end,
destruction, death]
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Destruction \De*struc"tion\, n. [L. destructio: cf. F.
destruction. See Destroy.]
1. The act of destroying; a tearing down; a bringing to
naught; subversion; demolition; ruin; slaying;
devastation.
[1913 Webster]
The Jews smote all their enemies with the stroke of
the sword, and slaughter, and destruction. --Esth.
ix. 5.
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'Tis safer to be that which we destroy
Than by destruction dwell in doubtful joy. --Shak.
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Destruction of venerable establishment. --Hallam.
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2. The state of being destroyed, demolished, ruined, slain,
or devastated.
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This town came to destruction. --Chaucer.
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Thou castedst them down into destruction. --Ps.
lxxiii. 18.
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2. A destroying agency; a cause of ruin or of devastation; a
destroyer.
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The destruction that wasteth at noonday. --Ps. xci.
6.
Syn: Demolition; subversion; overthrow; desolation;
extirpation; extinction; devastation; downfall;
extermination; havoc; ruin.
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