destroy
dih-STROY
Destroy (verb) means to damage something so severely that it no longer exists or can't be repaired. Example: “The fire destroyed the entire warehouse.”
verb
1
To damage something so severely that it no longer exists or can't be repaired.
"The fire destroyed the entire warehouse."
"A single bug destroyed months of work on the project."
"The storm could destroy the crops if it lasts all night."
2
To defeat someone completely and overwhelmingly.
"The champion destroyed her opponent in straight sets."
"Our team destroyed the visitors on Saturday and won by a huge margin."
"I expected a close game, but they absolutely destroyed us in the final."
3
To kill an animal deliberately, usually for humane or safety reasons.
"The injured horse had to be destroyed."
"The vet said the old dog was suffering and should be destroyed to spare it pain."
"A farmer may have to destroy a sick animal to stop an illness spreading."
How to use destroy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo ruin or wipe out something completely, or (informally) to beat someone badly.
Common pairings
destroy evidence
destroy a building
utterly destroyed
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- destroys
- Past tense
- destroyed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The fire _____ the entire warehouse.
Etymology
From Old French destruire, from Latin destruere, "to un-build" — from de- ("un-") and struere ("to build").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for destroy
See all rhymes for destroy →Frequently asked questions
What does “destroy” mean?
The word “destroy” means to damage something so severely that it no longer exists or can't be repaired. In plain terms, to ruin or wipe out something completely, or (informally) to beat someone badly.
How do you pronounce “destroy”?
“Destroy” is pronounced dih-STROY (/dɪˈstɹɔɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “destroy” in a sentence?
Here is “destroy” used in a sentence: “The fire destroyed the entire warehouse.”
What is another word for “destroy”?
Words with a similar meaning to “destroy” include annihilate, break, demolish, kill, ruin and waste.
What is the opposite of “destroy”?
The opposite of “destroy” — its antonyms — are build, construct, create, make and raise.
What part of speech is “destroy”?
“Destroy” is a verb.
Where does the word “destroy” come from?
The word “destroy” comes from Latin. From Old French destruire, from Latin destruere, "to un-build" — from de- ("un-") and struere ("to build").
Is “destroy” a common word?
“Destroy” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between destroy and damage?
Damage means to harm something so it works less well or looks worse, but it can often be repaired. Destroy is far stronger — it means to ruin something completely, beyond saving or existence. A storm might damage a roof but destroy an entire house, leaving nothing to restore.
What is the opposite of destroy?
The main opposites are build, create, and construct, all of which bring something into being. Other antonyms include repair, restore, and preserve, which mend or protect rather than ruin. Where destroy ends something completely, these words either begin it or keep it safe and intact.
Can "destroy" be used figuratively?
Yes. Beyond physical ruin, destroy often describes emotional or competitive situations — bad news can destroy someone's confidence, or a team can destroy its rivals in a match. In these uses it means to overwhelm or defeat utterly, keeping the sense of total, decisive impact from its literal meaning.
What is an example of destroy?
A fire can destroy a building, leaving nothing but ash. Floods destroy crops, and a shredder destroys documents so they can never be read again. Each example shows destroy meaning complete, irreversible loss rather than the partial harm suggested by a milder word like damage.
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