What does destructive mean?

Definitions for destructive
dɪˈstrʌk tɪvde·struc·tive

This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word destructive.

Princeton's WordNet

  1. destructiveadjective

    causing destruction or much damage

    "a policy that is destructive to the economy"; "destructive criticism"

Wiktionary

  1. destructiveadjective

    Causing destruction; damaging.

  2. destructiveadjective

    Causing break down or disassembly.

    Catabolism is a destructive metabolism which involves the break down of molecules and release of energy.

  3. Etymology: From destructivus, from past participle of destruo + -ivus

Samuel Johnson's Dictionary

  1. Destructiveadjective

    Etymology: destructivus, low Latin.

    In ports and roads remote,
    Destructive fires among whole fleets we send. Dryden.

    One may think, by the name duration, that the continuation of existence, with a kind of resistance to any destructive force, is the continuation of solidity. John Locke.

    He will put an end to so absurd a practice, which makes our most refined diversions destructive of all politeness. Addis.

    Both are defects equally destructive of true religion. John Rogers.

    In a firm building, even the cavities ought not to be filled with rubbish which is of a perishable kind, destructive to the strength. John Dryden, Æn. Dedicat.

    Excess of cold, as well as heat, pains us; because it is equally destructive to that temper which is necessary to the preservation of life. John Locke.

ChatGPT

  1. destructive

    Destructive refers to causing significant harm, damage, or disruption to something, often beyond repair. This could relate to physical items, emotional states, relationships, environments, or larger societal structures. Additionally, in the field of software testing, it denotes tests intended to cause a system or component to fail in order to evaluate its robustness.

Webster Dictionary

  1. Destructiveadjective

    causing destruction; tending to bring about ruin, death, or devastation; ruinous; fatal; productive of serious evil; mischievous; pernicious; -- often with of or to; as, intemperance is destructive of health; evil examples are destructive to the morals of youth

  2. Destructivenoun

    one who destroys; a radical reformer; a destructionist

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Numerology

  1. Chaldean Numerology

    The numerical value of destructive in Chaldean Numerology is: 7

  2. Pythagorean Numerology

    The numerical value of destructive in Pythagorean Numerology is: 2

Examples of destructive in a Sentence

  1. Dennis Santiago:

    The thing is, technology is amoral; anyone can use it, cancel culture is merely another form of an advertising campaign that is using these platforms for destructive versus constructive purposes.

  2. Erik Pevernagie:

    If we learn how to eliminate the destructive upshots of matters and events, we can bounce back from misfortunes and spring back into shape. Grumbling and trailing on the ground are only a waste of time. ("Steaming ahead" )

  3. Millicent Fenwick:

    Never feel self-pity, the most destructive emotion there is. How awful to be caught up in the terrible squirrel cage of self.

  4. The NHC:

    Near the coast, the surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves.

  5. William Henry Harrison:

    There is nothing more corrupting, nothing more destructive of the noblest and finest feelings of our nature, than the exercise of unlimited power.

Popularity rank by frequency of use

destructive#10000#13351#100000

Translations for destructive

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"destructive." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 26 Apr. 2024. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/destructive>.

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