adjective

destructive

destructive, damaging, harmful

The storm was very destructive.

The storm was very destructive.

His comments were destructive to our team's morale.

His comments were destructive to our team's morale.

((to sth.)) causing great and irreparable damage (to sth.) The criticism was destructive to his confidence.

Synonyms: damaging, devastating, ruinous; Antonyms: constructive, creative

From Latin 'destruere' (de- 'down' + struere 'to build'), meaning 'to pull down'.

Think of 'de-structure' – taking a structure apart or breaking it down.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.