destruction
n. uncountable B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //dɪˈstɹəkʃən// UK //dɪstɹˈʌkʃən// de·struc·tion
n. the act of damaging something so badly that it cannot be fixed or no longer exists.
n. the action or process of causing so much damage to something that it no longer exists or cannot be repaired.
The storm caused the total destruction of the old bridge.
Environmental groups are working hard to prevent the destruction of the rainforest by illegal logging companies.
The rapid destruction of historical archives during the conflict has left a permanent gap in our understanding of the region's cultural heritage.
Inherited from Middle English destruccioun, from Old French destrucion, from Latin dēstructiō, dēstructiōnem.
Usage
Often used with the preposition 'of' to indicate the object being damaged.