Destroy

/dɪˈstɹɔɪ/ · verb

Meaning

(ambitransitive) To damage beyond use or repair; to damage (something) to the point that it effectively ceases to exist..

Definitions by Sense

1. (ambitransitive) To damage beyond use or repair; to damage (something) to the point that it effectively ceases to exist.
2. (transitive) To neutralize, undo a property or condition.
3. (transitive) To put down or euthanize.
4. (transitive) To severely disrupt the well-being of (a person); ruin.
5. (transitive, informal) To utterly defeat; to crush.
6. (transitive, computing) To remove data.
7. (transitive, bodybuilding, slang, antiphrasis) To exhaust completely and thus recreate or build up.
8. (transitive, slang, vulgar) To penetrate sexually in an aggressive way.

Example Sentences

The earthquake destroyed several apartment complexes.

Hooligans destroy unprovoked.

Iesus answered, and said vnto them, Destroy this temple, and in three dayes I will raise it vp.

Repeated use of this type of [water] on plants results in deflocculation[] of the soil. Good quality soil consists of loose aggregates which provide natural aeration and ease of root run. Sodium accumulation in soil destroys this natural flocculation and causes the soil to pack.

Krav is a martial art of last resort that assumes no quarter and focuses purely on disarming, disabling and, if necessary, destroying your opponent.

Smoking destroys the natural subtlety of the palate.

Destroying a rabid dog is required by law.

Her divorce destroyed her; she had a nervous breakdown and was severely depressed for more than a year.

Synonyms for destroy

Antonyms for destroy

Related Words

Word Forms

• destroys
• destroying
• destroyed

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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