die Zerstörung
Translation
destruction, devastation, ruin
Examples
Der Sturm verursachte große Zerstörung.
The storm caused great destruction.
Die Zerstörung der Umwelt ist ein ernstes Problem.
The destruction of the environment is a serious problem.
Grammar Patterns
the destruction ((of sth.)) The destruction of the city was total.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Vernichtung (annihilation), Verwüstung (devastation); Antonyms: Aufbau (construction), Schöpfung (creation)
Etymology
From the verb 'zerstören' (to destroy). The prefix 'zer-' indicates separation or destruction, and 'stören' means to disturb.
Memory Tips
Imagine a 'storm' ('Sturm') 'disturbing' ('stören') everything to the point of 'zer-' (apart-ness), causing total destruction.