dɪsˈtrʌktɪv adj. 1 (often foll. by
to, of) destroying or tending to
destroy (destructive of
her peace of
mind; is destructive to organisms; a destructive child). 2
negative in
attitude or
criticism; refuting
without suggesting,
helping, amending, etc. (opp. CONSTRUCTIVE) (has
only destructive criticism to offer). øødestructively adv. destructiveness n. [ME f. OF destructif
-ive f. LL destructivus (as DESTROY)]