Dictionary
destructive
adjective de·struc·tive \di-ˈstrək-tiv\
: causing a very large amount of damage : causing destruction or harm
Full Definition of DESTRUCTIVE
1
: causing destruction : ruinous <destructive storm>
2
: designed or tending to hurt or destroy <destructive criticism>
— de·struc·tive·ly adverb
— de·struc·tive·ness noun
See destructive defined for English-language learners
See destructive defined for kids
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First Known Use of DESTRUCTIVE
15th century
Related to DESTRUCTIVE
- Synonyms
- annihilatory, calamitous, cataclysmal (or cataclysmic), devastating, devastative, disastrous, ruinous
- Antonyms
- nondestructive
Rhymes with DESTRUCTIVE
DESTRUCTIVE Defined for Kids
destructive
adjective de·struc·tive \di-ˈstrək-tiv\
Definition of DESTRUCTIVE for Kids
1
: causing great damage or ruin <a destructive storm>
2
: not positive or helpful <destructive criticism>
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