Destroy

/dɪˈstrɔɪ/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To cause the destruction of; to ruin completely.

The wildfire threatened to destroy the entire forest.

To put an end to the existence of something.

The new policy aims to destroy discrimination in the workplace.

To cause irreparable damage to.

The storm did not just damage the house, it completely destroyed it.

To kill or extinguish.

The pest control team worked to destroy the infestation of termites.

Middle English, from Old French 'destruire', from Latin 'destruere' (to undo, dismantle, demolish).

destroy the evidence

To eliminate or remove evidence of wrongdoing.

destroy a relationship

To negatively impact or end a relationship.

destroy someone's dreams

To crush or halt someone's aspirations.

destruction

The act of destroying; the process of being destroyed.

destructive

Causing great and irreparable harm; damaging.

destroyer

A person or thing that destroys.

To ace or to do something extremely well.

He destroyed that exam, getting a perfect score.

To defeat someone badly in a game or competition.

Our team destroyed them in the finals.