destroy

verb
UK: /dɪˈstrɔɪ/
US: /dɪˈstrɔɪ/

  1. To completely ruin or end the existence of something.

    1. Fire can destroy a house very quickly. [ ] [ ]
    2. The storm destroyed many homes along the coast destroying the residents peace. [ ] [ ]

  2. To damage something very badly, so that it cannot be used.

    1. He will destroy his shoes if he plays in the mud. [ ] [ ]
    2. Constant criticism can destroy a person's self-confidence and motivation. [ ] [ ]

  3. To defeat someone or something completely.

    1. Our team will destroy their team easily. [ ] [ ]
    2. The scandal destroyed his career and reputation permanently. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

ruin devastate wreck eradicate annihilate eliminate demolish
destroy noun

  1. The act of destroying something.

    1. The destroy of the old building began today. [ ] [ ]
    2. The destroy of ecosystems has far-reaching negative consequences. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "destroy" in English means: To completely ruin or end the existence of something., To damage something very badly, so that it cannot be used., To defeat someone or something completely..

The phonetic transcription of "destroy" is /dɪˈstrɔɪ/ in British English and /dɪˈstrɔɪ/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "destroy": ruin, devastate, wreck, eradicate, annihilate, eliminate, demolish.

Example usage of "destroy": "Fire can destroy a house very quickly.". More examples on the page.