destruction

Everyday

1. Destruction is the act of destroying something so badly that it is ruined or no longer exists. tree →
2. The damage left after a storm, fire, war or accident. tree →
3. (formal) The ruin of someone's hopes, health or life. tree →

In the lessons

Used in news, history, science (storms, volcanoes, floods) and stories. Phrases: «a path of destruction», «mass destruction», «the destruction of the rainforest», «cause destruction». It tells the reader that something was badly broken or wiped out.

Examples

• The tornado left a path of destruction across the town. tree →
• The destruction of rainforests harms many animals. tree →
• Firefighters tried to stop the destruction of the old barn. tree →
• The puppy caused total destruction in the living room. tree →
• Volcanoes can bring great destruction to nearby villages. tree →
• The film showed the destruction of the ancient city. tree →
• Pollution leads to the destruction of coral reefs. tree →
• Keep it, it has only led to his destruction. tree →

Note

Uncountable noun: «the destruction», not «a destruction». Verb: destroy (destroy, destroys, destroyed, destroying); adjective: destructive. Opposite: construction, creation. Not the same as «damage»: damage can be small, destruction is usually very big.

In Jewish tradition

Means ruin that comes on nations such as Amalek and Asshur as an end foretold by Balaam, or a punishment sent by God.

Interpretation. Tradition sees Amalek's end as the fate of a people who attacked Israel without cause, and remembers Amalek each year before Purim.

Examples

• But ships shall come from the coast of Kittim, and they shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber, and he also shall come to destruction. (Torah NUM.24.24, JPS 1917) tree →
• And he looked on Amalek, and took up his parable, and said: Amalek was the first of the nations; but his end shall come to destruction. (Torah NUM.24.20, JPS 1917) tree →
• The wasting of hunger, and the devouring of the fiery bolt, and bitter destruction; and the teeth of beasts will I send upon them, with the venom of crawling things of the dust. (Torah DEU.32.24, JPS 1917) tree →
• Hark! a cry from Horonaim, spoiling and great destruction! (Prophets JER.48.3, JPS 1917) tree →
• Hark! battle is in the land, and great destruction. (Prophets JER.50.22, JPS 1917) tree →
• Thy tongue deviseth destruction; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. (Writings PSA.52.4, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Uncountable noun: «the destruction», not «a destruction». Verb: destroy (destroy, destroys, destroyed, destroying); adjective: destructive. Opposite: construction, creation. Not the same as «damage»: damage can be small, destruction is usually very big.