Destroy: meaning, definitions and examples

General use when causing something to be completely ruined or rendered unusable.

• The earthquake destroyed many buildings
• The fire destroyed their home

Used when something is damaged to the point of not being usable or enjoyable, often due to neglect or mishap. Can also refer to financial destruction.

• The rain ruined the picnic
• The stock market crash ruined many investors

Used when referring to something causing severe emotional distress or extensive physical damage. Often has a negative emotional impact.

• The news of his death devastated his family
• The hurricane devastated the coastal towns

Commonly used when talking about buildings or structures being intentionally torn down.

• They will demolish the old stadium to build a new one
• The house was demolished to make way for a new road

Often used to describe severe damage, particularly to vehicles or buildings, though can also refer to spoiling plans or events.

• The storm wrecked several homes along the shore
• The accident wrecked the car

Suggests total destruction to the point of leaving no trace. Often dramatic or exaggerated.

• The bomb obliterated the entire block
• Time has obliterated any evidence of the ancient city

To completely ruin, damage, or demolish something. Used for both tangible and intangible objects.

• The earthquake destroyed several buildings
• Negative comments can destroy someone's confidence

To remove or get rid of something entirely, can be used in a less destructive sense.

• We need to eliminate all errors from the report
• The team was eliminated in the semifinals

To kill off or destroy completely, usually used in the context of pests or enemies. Has a harsh, negative connotation.

• They called pest control to exterminate the termites
• The dictator sought to exterminate his opposition

To completely and utterly destroy something, often used in a more dramatic or powerful context.

• The army was annihilated in the battle
• The villain's plan to annihilate the entire city was thwarted

To completely remove or destroy something bad or harmful, often used in contexts of diseases or social issues.

• Efforts are being made to eradicate poverty
• The goal is to eradicate malaria

To put out a flame or fire, or to end something that was once active. It can be used for literal or metaphorical contexts.

• Firefighters worked all night to extinguish the blaze
• His speech extinguished any hope for reconciliation

Use when referring to complete ruin or elimination of something.

• The hurricane destroyed many homes.
• The fire destroyed the entire forest.

Use when something breaks into numerous small pieces, often violently.

• The window shattered when the ball hit it.
• The glass shatters with a loud noise.

Use when something is compressed or deformed by pressure, often resulting in a loss of its original shape.

• He crushed the can in his hand.
• The car was crushed in the accident.

Use when something is separated into pieces, usually due to a force or pressure.

• She accidentally broke the vase.
• He managed to break the lock.

Use when referring to physical injury to a living being or the infliction of emotional pain.

• He was wounded in the battle.
• Her harsh words deeply wounded him.

Use when something is harmed or impaired, usually not completely ruined.

• The storm damaged the roof.
• She accidentally damaged her phone.