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.
© Webster 1913.