destructive
UK[dɪˈstrʌktɪv]US[dɪˈstrʌktɪv]
adj
Causing great and irreparable damage or harm.
adj
Tending to disprove or undermine something; negative or unhelpful.
Morpheme Breakdown
de
struct
ive
de
down, away
struct
build
ive
adjective suffix
Etymology
The word 'destructive' is built upon the Latin verb struere, "to build." The addition of the prefix de-, which often implies reversal or removal, creates the sense of "un-building" or tearing down what has been built. The suffix -ive then transforms this action into a descriptive quality. Thus, the literal progression from "to build down" evolved into the modern abstract meaning of causing severe damage or having the power to completely ruin or negate something.
Analysis
Structure: de (down, away) + struct (build) + ive (adjective suffix)
- de: A Latin prefix meaning "down, away, off, reversal, removal."
- struct: From Latin struere, meaning "to build, pile up, arrange."
- ive: A Latin-derived suffix forming adjectives meaning "having the nature or quality of."
Examples
The hurricane was one of the most destructive storms in the country's history.
His destructive criticism demoralized the entire team.
Termites can be highly destructive to wooden structures.