destructive
de·struc·tive
adj \di-ˈstrək-tiv\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 Examples of DESTRUCTIVE
- 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.
First Known Use of DESTRUCTIVE
15th century
Related to DESTRUCTIVE
Synonyms: annihilatory, calamitous, cataclysmal (or cataclysmic), devastating, devastative, disastrous, ruinous
Antonyms: nondestructive
Related Words: antibiotic, biocidal; baleful, deadly, deathly, fatal, fell, killer, lethal, mortal, murderous, pestilent, poisonous, virulent, vital; deleterious, detrimental, harmful, pernicious
Near Antonyms: preservative, protective; constructive, creative, formative, productive; harmless, innocent, innocuous, inoffensive; ameliorative, helpful, useful; healthful, healthy, nonfatal, nonlethal, salubrious, wholesome
Rhymes with DESTRUCTIVE
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