Definitions for the word "ruin" from multiple English dictionaries.
1. n.
The act of falling or tumbling down; fall.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. n.
Such a change of anything as destroys it, or entirely defeats its object, or unfits it for use; destruction; overthrow; as, the ruin of a ship or an army; the ruin of a constitution or a government; the ruin of health or hopes.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. n.
That which is fallen down and become worthless from injury or decay; as, his mind is a ruin; especially, in the plural, the remains of a destroyed, dilapidated, or desolate house, fortress, city, or the like.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. n.
The state of being dcayed, or of having become ruined or worthless; as, to be in ruins; to go to ruin.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. n.
That which promotes injury, decay, or destruction.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. n.
To bring to ruin; to cause to fall to pieces and decay; to make to perish; to bring to destruction; to bring to poverty or bankruptcy; to impair seriously; to damage essentially; to overthrow.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. v. i.
To fall to ruins; to go to ruin; to become decayed or dilapidated; to perish.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. n.
1 destroyed, wrecked, or spoiled state. 2 downfall or elimination (ruin of my hopes). 3 complete loss of one''s property or position (bring to ruin). 4 (in sing. Or pl.) Remains of a building etc. That has suffered ruin. 5 cause of ruin (the ruin of us). v. 1 a bring to ruin (extravagance has ruined me). B spoil, damage. 2 (esp. As ruined adj.) Reduce to ruins. in ruins completely wrecked (hopes were in ruins). [latin ruo fall]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
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