ru·in
(ro͞o′ĭn)n.
1. often ruins
a. The state of being physically destroyed, collapsed, or decayed: The castle fell into ruin.
b. The state of being extensively harmed or damaged: Our vacation plans are in ruins.
c. Poverty of bankruptcy: Their decision brought the bank to ruin.
2.
a. often ruins A destroyed, collapsed, or decayed building or other physical entity: the ruins of the old mill.
b. One that has been extensively damaged or harmed: He is a ruin of his former self.
3. A cause of destruction or irreparable harm or loss: Gambling will be his ruin.
tr.v. ru·ined, ru·in·ing, ru·ins
1. To cause (a building, for example) to be in a destroyed, collapsed, or decayed state.
2.
a. To harm or damage the quality or value of (something) irreparably: A bad diet ruined his health.
b. To harm or damage the enjoyment or experience of (something) greatly: ruined the movie by talking throughout it; ruined the book by giving away the ending.
3. To reduce to poverty or bankruptcy: Bad loans ruined the banker.
[Middle English ruine, from Old French, from Latin ruīna, from ruere, to rush, collapse.]
ru′in·a·ble adj.
ru′in·er n.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
| Noun | 1. |  ruining - destruction achieved by causing something to be wrecked or ruineddestruction, devastation - the termination of something by causing so much damage to it that it cannot be repaired or no longer exists |
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.