Synonyms for ruin

noun

1. The act of destruction

   extinction, demolition, overthrow; see destruction 1, wreck 1.

2. A building fallen into decay

   wreck, vestige, remains, rubble; see ruins, wreck 2.

3. The state of destruction

   dilapidation, waste, wreck; see destruction 2. See syn. study at destruction.

ruin implies a state of decay, disintegration, etc. especially through such natural processes as age and weather the barn is in a state of ruin; destruction implies annihilation or demolition, as by fire, explosion, flood, etc. the destruction of the village in an air raid; havoc suggests total destruction or devastation, as following an earthquake or hurricane the storm wreaked havoc along the coast; dilapidation implies a state of ruin or shabbiness resulting from neglect the dilapidation of a deserted house

verb

1. To destroy

   injure, overthrow, demolish; see destroy 1, ravage.

2. To cause to become bankrupt

   impoverish, bankrupt, beggar, reduce, pauperize, fleece, make penniless, bring to destitution, bring to want, drain, exhaust, wreck, break, bust*, clean out*, cook one's goose*, do in*, do for*, wipe out*.

   Antonyms help*, pay, fund.

3. To destroy chastity

   rape, despoil, ravish; see rape.