Main Entry:

de·stroy

Pronunciation:

\di-ˈstrȯi, dē-\

Function:

verb

Etymology:

Middle English, from Anglo-French destroy-, destrui-, stem of destrure, from Vulgar Latin *destrugere, alteration of Latin destruere, from de- + struere to build — more at structure

Date:

13th century

transitive verb1: to ruin the structure, organic existence, or condition of <destroyed the files> ; also : to ruin as if by tearing to shreds <their reputation was destroyed>2 a: to put out of existence : kill <destroy an injured horse> b: neutralize <the moon destroys the light of the stars> c: annihilate, vanquish <armies had been crippled but not destroyed — W. L. Shirer>intransitive verb: to cause destruction