destructive
UK: dɪˈstrʌktɪv | US: dɪˈstrʌktɪv
adj. causing great damage or harm
adj. tending to destroy or criticize aggressively
destructive = destruct<destroy> + ive<adjective suffix>
- destruct (from Latin destructus, past participle of destruere: de- (down) + struere (build)) → "to tear down what was built"
- ive (Latin -ivus, forming adjectives) → "having the nature of"
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin destruere, combining de- (reversal) and struere (to build). It originally meant "to unbuild" or dismantle physically, later expanding metaphorically to mean "ruin" or "nullify." The suffix -ive turns the verb into an adjective, emphasizing a tendency toward destruction.
The hurricane was highly destructive, leveling entire neighborhoods.
His destructive criticism demoralized the team.
Fire can be both constructive and destructive.
The virus has a destructive effect on computer systems.
Avoid destructive habits like excessive drinking.