First Known Use: 12th century
Dictionary
1ruin
noun ru·in \ˈrü-ən, -ˌin; ˈrün\
: a state of complete destruction : a state of being ruined
: the remaining pieces of something that was destroyed
: the state of having lost money, social status, etc.
Full Definition of RUIN
1
a archaic : a falling down : collapse <from age to age … the crash of ruin fitfully resounds — William Wordsworth> b : physical, moral, economic, or social collapse
2
a : the state of being ruined —archaic except in plural <the city lay in ruins> b : the remains of something destroyed —usually used in plural <the ruins of an ancient temple> <the ruins of his life>
3
: a cause of destruction
5
: a ruined building, person, or object
— ru·in·ate \ˈrü-ə-ˌnāt, -nət\ adjective
— ruinate \-ˌnāt\ transitive verb
See ruin defined for English-language learners
See ruin defined for kids
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Origin of RUIN
Middle English ruine, from Anglo-French, from Latin ruina, from ruere to rush headlong, fall, collapse
Related to RUIN
- Synonyms
- annihilation, decimation, demolishment, demolition, desolation, devastation, extermination, extinction, havoc, loss, mincemeat, obliteration, destruction, ruination, wastage, wreckage
- Antonyms
- building, construction, erection, raising
2ruin
verb
: to damage (something) so badly that it is no longer useful, valuable, enjoyable, etc. : to spoil or destroy (something)
: to cause (someone) to lose money, social status, etc.
Full Definition of RUIN
transitive verb
2
a : to damage irreparably b : bankrupt, impoverish <ruined by stock speculation>
3
: to subject to frustration, failure, or disaster <will ruin your chances of promotion>
intransitive verb
: to become ruined
— ru·in·er noun
See ruin defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of RUIN
1585
RUINED Defined for Kids
1ruin
verb ru·in \ˈrü-ən\
ru·inedru·in·ing
Definition of RUIN for Kids
1
: to reduce to wreckage <a ruined city>
2
: to damage beyond repair <… “she's … ruined every scrap of clothes she owns.” — Katherine Paterson, Jacob Have I Loved>
3
: to have a very bad effect on the quality of (something) <Losing my wallet ruined the trip.>
4
2ruin
noun
Definition of RUIN for Kids
1
: complete collapse or destruction
2
ruins plural : the remains of something destroyed <the ruins of an ancient city>
3
: the situation in which someone experiences loss of money, social status, or position <They were on the brink of financial ruin.>
— in ruins
: nearly or completely destroyed <Her reputation was in ruins … — Richard Peck, A Year Down Yonder>
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