de·stroy
Pronounced:
/dɪˈstroɪ/
Function:
verbInflected forms:
de·stroys; de·stroyed; de·stroy·ingMeaning:
[+ obj] 1 : to cause (something) to end or no longer exist : to cause the destruction of (something) ▪ Eventually our problems with money destroyed our marriage. ▪ All the files were deliberately destroyed. ▪ The disease destroys the body's ability to fight off illness. : to damage (something) so badly that it cannot be repaired ▪ The bomb blast destroyed the village. ▪ The scandal destroyed [=ruined] his reputation. ▪ The building was partially destroyed [=demolished] by fire.
2 : to kill (an animal) especially because it is sick, injured, or dangerous ▪ The dog had to be destroyed since its owner could not prevent it from attacking people.
3 informal : to defeat (someone or something) easily or completely ▪ They destroyed [=demolished] the other team 51–7.
2 : to kill (an animal) especially because it is sick, injured, or dangerous ▪ The dog had to be destroyed since its owner could not prevent it from attacking people.
3 informal : to defeat (someone or something) easily or completely ▪ They destroyed [=demolished] the other team 51–7.