Destroy Definition, Meaning and Synonyms
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on April 29, 2024
Discover the correct use of 'Destory,' often mistakenly spelled as 'Destroy,' and learn to distinguish between these frequently confused English words. Our guide offers insights and tips for accurate spelling and usage.
Destroy Definitions
To destroy is to break down the structure or integrity of something.
The hurricane destroyed numerous homes along the coast.
Muazma Batool
Feb 01, 2024
To destroy is to defeat someone or something completely.
The team destroyed their opponents in the final match.
Maverick
Feb 01, 2024
To destroy means to completely ruin or spoil something.
The invasive species destroyed the native ecosystem.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 01, 2024
To destroy is to put an end to something by damaging it beyond repair.
The scandal destroyed his career.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 01, 2024
To destroy is to cause emotional or psychological harm.
His harsh words destroyed her confidence.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 01, 2024
To destroy is to overpower or overwhelm completely.
The evidence destroyed his alibi.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 01, 2024
To destroy means to eliminate or remove all traces of something.
The software was designed to destroy all data upon command.
Xavier
Feb 01, 2024
To break apart the structure of, render physically unusable, or cause to cease to exist as a distinguishable physical entity
The fire destroyed the library. The tumor was destroyed with a laser.
Muneeza Rehman
Jan 31, 2024
To put an end to; eliminate
“In crowded populations, poverty destroys the possibility of cleanliness” (George Bernard Shaw).
Muneeza Rehman
Jan 31, 2024
Destroy Synonyms
Ruin
Reduce (a building or place) to a state of decay, collapse, or disintegration.
The abandoned mansion was left to ruin.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 29, 2024
Annihilate
Destroy utterly; obliterate.
The invading force aimed to annihilate the enemy.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 29, 2024
Wreck
Severely damage or destroy (a structure).
The storm wrecked several houses along the coast.
Xavier
Apr 29, 2024
Demolish
Pull or knock down (a building).
The old warehouse was demolished to make way for a new shopping center.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 29, 2024
Shatter
Break or cause to break suddenly and violently into pieces.
The explosion shattered the windows in nearby buildings.
Maverick
Apr 29, 2024
Exterminate
Destroy completely.
The policy was aimed to exterminate the pest problem.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 29, 2024
Eradicate
Destroy completely; put an end to.
Efforts are underway to eradicate invasive species from the island.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 29, 2024
Obliterate
Wipe out completely, leaving no trace.
The document was obliterated by fire.
Eleanor
Apr 29, 2024
Raze
Completely destroy (a building, town, or other site).
The village was razed during the war.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 29, 2024
Decimate
Kill, destroy, or remove a large percentage or part of.
The disease decimated the population.
Darian
Apr 29, 2024
Destroy Idioms
Destroy the competition
To outperform or dominate competitors completely.
The new product destroyed the competition, becoming the market leader.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 01, 2024
Self-destroy
To cause one's own downfall or ruin.
He seemed to self-destroy with his reckless behavior.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 01, 2024
Destroy the evidence
To completely get rid of all proof or traces.
After the mistake, he tried to destroy the evidence by deleting the files.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 01, 2024
Destroy one's credibility
To ruin someone's reputation or trustworthiness.
The false accusations destroyed her credibility as a journalist.
Muazma Batool
Mar 01, 2024
Destroy by fire
To consume or demolish something completely using fire.
The documents were destroyed by fire to prevent leakage of sensitive information.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 01, 2024
Destroy from within
To cause something to fail or collapse by undermining it internally.
The organization was destroyed from within due to corruption.
Eleanor
Mar 01, 2024
Destroy the mood
To spoil the atmosphere or feeling of a situation.
The sudden argument destroyed the mood at the dinner party.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 01, 2024
Destroy the peace
To disrupt harmony or tranquility.
The loud construction destroyed the peace of the quiet neighborhood.
Asaiah
Mar 01, 2024
Destroy at will
To demolish or ruin something intentionally and freely.
The new policy allowed them to destroy the old buildings at will.
Darian
Mar 01, 2024
Destroy one's hope
To completely dash or crush someone's expectations or optimism.
The rejection letter destroyed his hope of attending his dream college.
Asaiah
Mar 01, 2024
Destroy Meaning in a Sentence
Pollution could destroy this delicate marine habitat.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 01, 2024
Time has the power to destroy even the strongest monuments.
Eleanor
Mar 01, 2024
Mismanagement can destroy a successful business.
Asaiah
Mar 01, 2024
War can destroy both infrastructure and the human spirit.
Muazma Batool
Mar 01, 2024
Rumors have the power to destroy friendships.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 01, 2024
Pests can quickly destroy a season's crop.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 01, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the past tense of 'destroy'?
The past tense of 'destroy' is 'destroyed.'
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 01, 2024
What is the origin of the word 'destroy'?
The word 'destroy' comes from the Old French 'destruire,' which in turn comes from Latin 'destruere,' meaning 'to tear down' or 'demolish.'
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 01, 2024
Can 'destroy' be used in a non-physical sense?
Yes, 'destroy' can be used metaphorically to describe non-physical concepts, such as reputation or confidence.
Eleanor
Mar 01, 2024
Can 'destroy' be used in a positive context?
Rarely, but it can be used positively when referring to overcoming something negative, like "destroying one's fears."
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 01, 2024
What are synonyms for 'destroy'?
Synonyms for 'destroy' include demolish, ruin, annihilate, obliterate, and devastate.
Muazma Batool
Mar 01, 2024
Does 'destroy' have different meanings in British and American English?
No, 'destroy' has the same meaning in both British and American English.
Bronson
Mar 01, 2024
Is there an adjective form of 'destroy'?
There isn't a direct adjective form of 'destroy,' but related adjectives include 'destructive.'
Eleanor
Mar 01, 2024
Is 'destroy' a common word in English?
Yes, 'destroy' is a common word, frequently used in various contexts from everyday conversation to technical and literary language.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 01, 2024
How has the use of 'destroy' evolved over time?
The use of 'destroy' has broadened over time, especially with technological and environmental developments, leading to its use in contexts like data destruction or habitat destruction.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 01, 2024
Is 'destroy' a transitive or intransitive verb?
'Destroy' is a transitive verb; it requires a direct object to receive the action. For example, "The storm destroyed the house."
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 01, 2024
Is 'destroy' used differently in different contexts?
Yes, 'destroy' can be used in various contexts, such as in military, environmental, or personal emotional contexts, each with a slightly different connotation.
Eleanor
Mar 01, 2024
How do you use 'destroy' in a sentence?
'Destroy' is used as a verb, often to convey the act of causing severe damage or ruining something, e.g., "The fire destroyed the building."
Bronson
Mar 01, 2024
What is the opposite of 'destroy'?
The opposite of 'destroy' is 'build,' 'create,' or 'construct.'
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 01, 2024
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Definitions Wiki, Muneeza's commitment to clarity and precision extends beyond the realm of definitions. She believes that a thorough understanding of words empowers individuals to communicate effectively and appreciate the beauty of language in all its forms.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a copywriter, Muazma weaves words into a tapestry of compelling stories that capture hearts and minds. With a keen eye for detail and a mastery of language, she crafts messages that move people to action and create lasting impact.
