/ dɪˈstrʌktɪv; NAmE / adjective
causing destruction or damage :
the destructive power of modern weapons
the destructive effects of anxiety
—compare constructive
► de·struc·tive·ly adverb
► de·struc·tive·ness noun [ U ]
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WORD ORIGIN
late 15th cent.: via Old French from late Latin destructivus , from Latin destruct- destroyed, from the verb destruere , from de- (expressing reversal) + struere build.