ruin-n; 5 Senses

Sense Number 1: state of extreme physical devastation

Commentary: RUIN[+state][+physical][+destruction][+severe]

Examples:
The hurricane left the beach town in ruins.
The cities of Germany lay in ruins at the end of World War II.

Mappings:
PropBank: ruin.01
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 1

Sense Number 2: social or economic downfall of someone or a group

Commentary: RUIN[+state][+socioeconomic][+downfall]

Examples:
The stock market crash of 1929 caused the ruin of many formerly wealthy families.
His career was in ruins after years of alcohol and drug abuse.
They feared his administration would lead to the ruin of the nation.

Mappings:
PropBank: ruin.01
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 5

Sense Number 3: a gradual physical process of disintegration or destruction

Commentary: RUIN[+process][+physical][+disintegration][+gradual]

Examples:
Environmentalists believe the halt of such practices will stop the gradual ruin of the rain forest.
The old hotel was gradually falling into ruins through years of neglect.
Emotional stress, smoking and no exercise are contributing to the ruin of his health.

Mappings:
PropBank: ruin.01
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 3

Sense Number 4: old remains of buildings, often from antiquity

Commentary: RUIN[+artifact][+building][+remains][+old]

Examples:
The ruins in the Roman Forum span a number of centuries.
The ruin on the edge of town is an 18th-century fortress built by the Dutch.
Several famous Greek ruins are included on the tour.

Mappings:
PropBank: NM
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 2

Sense Number 5: an agent of devastation or downfall

Commentary: RUIN[+role][+event][+agent][+of_devastation]

Examples:
The man's uncontrollable anger proved to be his ruin.
A lack of trust was the ruin of the peace accord.
That man will be the ruin of Mary!

Mappings:
PropBank: ruin.01
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 4, 6