destroy
destroy Lexical Profile
destroy Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To damage something so severely that it no longer exists or cannot be repaired.
"The ancient library and its priceless manuscripts were completely destroyed by the accidental fire."
To ruin someone emotionally, financially, or socially, or to put a complete end to an abstract quality such as hope, trust, or a reputation.
"A single breach of confidentiality can quickly destroy years of trust between business partners."
To defeat an opponent decisively and by a wide margin in a game, competition, or debate (informal).
"The defending champions destroyed the visiting team in the championship finals."
To put an animal to death humanely by an official or veterinary order, typically because it is severely injured, diseased, or dangerous.
"After sustaining an untreatable fracture during the race, the horse regrettably had to be destroyed."
• Rhymes for destroy
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in Middle English from Old French 'destruire', ultimately from Latin 'destruere', meaning 'to tear down or unbuild', formed from the prefix 'de-' (reversal) and 'struere' (to build or pile up).