ruin

UK: ˈruːɪn | US: ˈruːɪn

Definition

  1. n. the physical destruction or collapse of something

  2. n. a state of complete loss or devastation

  3. vt. to cause the destruction or downfall of something

Structure
ru <fall, collapse>in <noun/verb suffix>
Etymology

The word "ruin" traces back to Latin ruina, derived from ruere ("to fall"). It originally described the act of collapsing (e.g., buildings) and later expanded metaphorically to signify destruction or downfall in general. The logic is straightforward: physical collapse → metaphorical devastation.

Examples

  1. The ancient temple lay in ruin after the earthquake.

  2. Gambling led to the ruin of his fortune.

  3. War can ruin entire cities in a matter of days.

  4. She watched her career crumble into ruin.

  5. The castle was left to ruin over the centuries.