1 destructive | Definition of destructive

destructive

adjective
de·​struc·​tive | \ di-ˈstrÉ™k-tiv How to pronounce destructive (audio) \

Definition of destructive

1 : causing destruction : ruinous destructive storm
2 : designed or tending to hurt or destroy destructive criticism

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Other Words from destructive

destructively adverb
destructiveness noun

Examples of destructive in a Sentence

It was one of the most destructive storms in recent memory. She argued that the law was destructive of personal liberties. The school is concerned about the destructive behavior of a few students.
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Recent Examples on the Web

By writing her male virtuoso from the inside and outside, Horrocks creates a wrenching portrait of overconfidence as a destructive force. Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, "Rewriting the ‘Boy Genius’," 1 Sep. 2019 Kirk defies Starfleet regulations and leads his crew on a mission to capture a powerfully destructive force. Los Angeles Times, "Movies on TV this week Sept. 1 - 7, 2019: John Wayne in ‘The Searchers’ and more," 30 Aug. 2019 Who’s the most destructive force on defense in the NFL? Josh Bean | [email protected], al, "Could Alabama land 5-star D-lineman Jordan Burch?," 30 Aug. 2019 The destructive force is not without a strange beauty, as shown by the satellite loops put up on social media by Dakota Smith, a meteorologist and scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research. Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, "Watch: Lightning inside Hurricane Dorian, now Category 3," 30 Aug. 2019 There are ways to express yourself that can be constructive rather than destructive, and the sharing can create greater understanding and positive change. Tribune Content Agency, oregonlive.com, "Horoscope for July 30, 2019: Capricorn, holding feelings in doesn’t help; Pisces, honor your process," 30 July 2019 Annual floods rank among China’s most destructive natural disasters, brought on by seasonal rains and worsened by human encroachment into mountain areas and natural river systems. Washington Post, "At least 201 killed in July-August China flooding," 21 Aug. 2019 According to Cal Fire’s list of the 10 most destructive fires in state history, seven of them have occurred since 2015. Rob Nikolewski, Ramona Sentinel, "SDG&E ramps up fire safety efforts," 19 Aug. 2019 Kissinger was one of the most destructive secretaries of state in the modern history of this country. Emily Tamkin, The New Republic, "Ilhan Omar Is Already Changing Washington," 16 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'destructive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of destructive

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More Definitions for destructive

destructive

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of destructive

: causing a very large amount of damage : causing destruction or harm

destructive

adjective
de·​struc·​tive | \ di-ˈstrÉ™k-tiv How to pronounce destructive (audio) \

Kids Definition of destructive

1 : causing great damage or ruin a destructive storm
2 : not positive or helpful destructive criticism

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