ruin
noun
1. an irrecoverable state of devastation and destruction
- you have brought ruin on this entire family
Similar word(s): ruination
Definition categories: state, desolation, devastation
2. a ruined building
- they explored several Roman ruins
Definition categories: man–made, building, edifice
3. the process of becoming dilapidated
Similar word(s): dilapidation
Definition categories: process, decay
4. an event that results in destruction
Similar word(s): ruination
Definition categories: event, demolition, destruction, wipeout
5. failure that results in a loss of position or reputation
Similar word(s): downfall, ruination
Definition categories: event, failure
6. destruction achieved by causing something to be wrecked or ruined
Similar word(s): ruination, ruining, wrecking
Definition categories: act, destruction, devastation
Sentences with ruin as a noun:
- The monastery has fallen into ruin.
- Gambling has been the ruin of many.
- the ruin of a ship or an army; the ruin of a constitution or a government; the ruin of health or hopes
verb
1. destroy completely; damage irreparably
- You have ruined my car by pouring sugar in the tank!
- The tears ruined her make-up
Similar word(s): destroy
Definition categories: contact
2. destroy or cause to fail
- This behavior will ruin your chances of winning the election
Definition categories: social, baffle, bilk, cross, foil, frustrate, scotch, spoil, thwart
3. reduce to bankruptcy
Similar word(s): bankrupt, break, smash
Definition categories: possession, impoverish
4. reduce to ruins
- The country lay ruined after the war
Definition categories: contact, desolate, devastate, ravage, scourge, waste
5. deprive of virginity
Similar word(s): deflower
Definition categories: contact, copulate, couple, mate, pair
6. fall into ruin
Definition categories: change, crumble, decay, dilapidate
Sentences with ruin as a verb:
- He ruined his new white slacks by accidentally spilling oil on them.
- My car breaking down just as I was on the road ruined my vacation.