\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.