Destroy: meaning, definitions and examples

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destroy

[ dɪˈstrɔɪ ]

^{Context #1}

in war

Cause severe and extensive damage to something. Completely ruin or spoil something.

Synonyms

demolish, devastate, obliterate, ruin, wreck

Examples of usage

The bombing campaign aimed to destroy enemy infrastructure.
The hurricane destroyed the coastal town.

^{Context #2}

physically

Put an end to the existence of something by damaging or attacking it.

Synonyms

annihilate, eliminate, eradicate, exterminate, extinguish

Examples of usage

He destroyed the evidence before the police arrived.
The fire quickly destroyed the old building.

^{Context #3}

emotionally

Ruin someone emotionally or spiritually.

Synonyms

break, crush, damage, shatter, wound

Examples of usage

The betrayal destroyed her trust in others.
The loss of her pet destroyed her happiness.

Translations

Translations of the word "destroy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 destruir

🇮🇳 नष्ट करना

🇩🇪 zerstören

🇮🇩 menghancurkan

🇺🇦 знищити

🇵🇱 zniszczyć

🇯🇵 破壊する (はかいする)

🇫🇷 détruire

🇪🇸 destruir

🇹🇷 yıkmak

🇰🇷 파괴하다 (파괴하다)

🇸🇦 تدمير (tadmīr)

🇨🇿 zničit

🇸🇰 zničit

🇨🇳 摧毁 (cuīhuǐ)

🇸🇮 uničiti

🇮🇸 eyðileggja

🇰🇿 жою

🇬🇪 დამანგრეველი (damangreveli)

🇦🇿 məhv etmək

🇲🇽 destruir

Word origin

The word 'destroy' originated from the Latin word 'destruere', which means 'to pull down, demolish'. The term has been used in English since the 13th century, evolving to its current meaning of causing severe damage or putting an end to something. Over time, 'destroy' has been commonly associated with acts of war, natural disasters, and emotional devastation.

See also: destroyer, destruction, indestructible.