Pulverize: meaning, definitions and examples

Similar to the first instance of 'pulverize' but can also imply complete and thorough destruction in more dramatic or emphatic contexts.

• The new technology can pulverize waste materials into a usable form.
• They threatened to pulverize the opposition with their new strategy.

Commonly used in everyday speech to describe forcefully compressing something until it breaks or deforms. It can also be used metaphorically about defeating someone or something.

• She used a stone to crush the garlic for the recipe.
• Their team was crushed by the competition in the final match.

Typically used in culinary or mechanical contexts to describe breaking something into small pieces or a powder, often through friction.

• He took the coffee beans and ground them to make a fresh cup of coffee.
• The gears in the old machine grind together noisily.

Used to describe hitting something repeatedly with great force, often in contexts requiring manual effort. Can also be used metaphorically to describe intense feelings or actions.

• She used a hammer to pound the nails into the wall.
• His heart was pounding with excitement as he approached the stage.

Best used when referring to grinding or crushing something into fine particles, often used in a scientific, technical, or hyperbolic culinary context.

• The chef pulverized the spices to enhance the flavor of the dish.
• The machine can pulverize rocks into tiny bits.

Ideal for describing complete and utter destruction, especially in contexts involving conflicts, battles, or competitions. Often has a dramatic or intense connotation.

• The army was able to annihilate the enemy forces.
• Their team was annihilated in the final match, losing with a score of 10-0.

A versatile term used for a wide range of contexts from physical destruction to ruining plans, emotions, or status. It is the most general term with a wide application, but can also carry a heavy emotional or negative connotation.

• The hurricane destroyed many homes along the coast.
• She was devastated when she realized her mistake could destroy her career.

Generally used in the context of physically knocking down buildings or structures, but can also figuratively describe defeating an idea, argument, or plan. Often implies a systematic or planned method of destruction.

• The old building was demolished to make way for a new shopping mall.
• The lawyer demolished the opposing counsel's argument.