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destruction

destruction

noun deh-strook-SYOHN Less Common
People & Society Crime

Usage Note

Destruction is a direct cognate with its English counterpart and is used in both literal and figurative senses. The related verb is détruire ('to destroy') and its past participle détruit is common. The expression arme de destruction massive ('weapon of mass destruction') is widely recognised from journalism.

Examples

"La destruction du bâtiment a choqué les habitants."

Natural Translation

The destruction of the building shocked the residents.

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