How to Say “Destructive” in French

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destructeur
/dɛs.tʁyk.tœʁ/
The French word for destructive, meaning causing destruction or damage, is destructeur.
destructeur describes something that destroys or causes damage.
Meaning: causing destruction, damaging (adj)

Which one should you use?

nuisible is a formal adjective that stresses harm or damage. nocif means harmful, and dommageable means damaging.

How does it change in a sentence?

destructeur changes with the noun it describes. The feminine form is destructrice, the masculine plural is destructeurs and the feminine plural is destructrices.

How do you pronounce it?

destructeur is pronounced /dɛs.tʁyk.tœʁ/, in three syllables.

What mistakes should you avoid?

Keep in mind that destructeur is also a noun meaning destroyer, so context tells you which one is meant.

Did you know?

  • The word destructeur comes from the Latin dēstrūctor, which is built from the root for 'building' used in reverse.
  • In a military context, destructeur is the specific term for a destroyer warship, making it a noun for a vessel rather than just a description of damage.
  • To describe a subtly harmful influence or a bad habit, French prefers néfaste over destructeur, which implies a more violent or physical act of destroying.

Examples in context

  • Le tremblement de terre a provoqué des dégâts destructeurs dans la région.
    The earthquake caused destructive damage in the region.
  • Les termites sont des insectes nuisibles pour les bâtiments en bois.
    Termites are destructive insects for wooden structures.
  • Mon petit frère est vraiment un enfant ravageur, il casse tout sur son passage.
    My little brother is really a destructive child, he breaks everything in his path.
  • une force destructrice
    A destructive force
  • Ce vent est vraiment destructeur.
    This wind is truly destructive.
  • L'incendie a eu un effet destructeur.
    The fire had a destructive effect.

Example conversation

Hugo and Manon are discussing a recent storm.

  1. Hugo

    Le vent était vraiment destructeur hier.
    The wind was really destructive yesterday.
  2. Manon

    Oui, plusieurs arbres sont tombés.
    Yes, several trees fell down.
  3. Hugo

    C'est terrible pour le jardin.
    It's terrible for the garden.
  4. Manon

    On doit tout nettoyer, Hugo.
    We have to clean everything, Hugo.

Sources

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Peyton Faith
Peyton FaithHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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