ruin
UK[ˈruːɪn]US[ˈruːɪn]
n
the physical destruction or collapse of something, especially a building
n
the complete loss of one's money, social position, etc.; the cause of this
v
to damage something so badly that it loses all its value, pleasure, etc.; to spoil
v
to make someone lose all their money, their social position, etc.
Etymology
the word 'ruin' entered english in the late 14th century via old french 'ruine', which was borrowed directly from latin 'ruina', signifying "a collapse, a falling down." this latin noun originates from the verb 'ruere', meaning "to fall violently, rush headlong, or crumble." the core semantic thread from its proto-indo-european roots involves concepts of rushing, tearing down, or breaking apart. over time, the meaning expanded from the literal physical collapse of structures to encompass metaphorical destruction, such as financial disaster or the loss of social standing, capturing the dramatic and irreversible nature of a sudden fall from a former state.
Analysis
the entire word 'ruin' functions as a simplex unit. it is derived from latin 'ruina', meaning "a collapse, a falling down," which itself comes from the verb 'ruere', "to fall violently, to rush down." its functional role is as a complete lexical root.
Examples
the ancient castle now stands in picturesque ruin.
the scandal brought about his financial ruin.
pouring salt on the soil can ruin it for farming.