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 verb 1 : 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