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Added 3 October 2026

ruin

/ˈɹuː.ɪn/ noun

In Latin: ruīna Wiktionary

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about ruin at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

The remains of a destroyed or dilapidated construction, such as a house or castle.
The state of being a ruin, destroyed or decayed.
The monastery has fallen into ruin.
Something that leads to serious trouble or destruction.
Gambling has been the ruin of many.

verb

To cause the fiscal ruin of; to bankrupt or drive out of business.
With all these purchases, you surely mean to ruin us!
To destroy or render something no longer usable or operable.
He ruined his new white slacks by accidentally spilling oil on them.
To destroy (e.g. a city) so as to leave ruins.

Origin

From Middle English ruyne, ruine, from Old French ruine, from Latin ruīna (“overthrow, ruin”), from ruō (“to fall down, tumble, sink in ruin, rush”).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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