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.

The Jews smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, and slaughter, and destruction. --Esth. ix. 5.

'Tis safer to be that which we destroy Than by destruction dwell in doubtful joy. --Shak.

Destruction of venerable establishment. --Hallam.

2. The state of being destroyed, demolished, ruined, slain, or devastated.

This town came to destruction. --Chaucer.

Thou castedst them down into destruction. --Ps. lxxiii. 18.

2. A destroying agency; a cause of ruin or of devastation; a destroyer.

The destruction that wasteth at noonday. --Ps. xci. 6.

Syn: Demolition; subversion; overthrow; desolation; extirpation; extinction; devastation; downfall; extermination; havoc; ruin.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)