Definition of destroy
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 a disease that destroys the body's ability to fight off illness … destroyed any hope of a return to past crackdowns … — George Brock
2a : to put out of existence : kill destroy an injured horseb : neutralize the moon destroys the light of the starsc : annihilate, vanquish armies had been crippled but not destroyed — W. L. Shirer
intransitive verb
: to cause ruin or destruction it is proverbially easier to destroy than to construct — T. S. Eliot
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Examples of destroy in a sentence
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.
The bomb blast destroyed the village.
The dog had to be destroyed since its owner could not prevent it from attacking people.
Origin and Etymology of destroy
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
First Known Use: 13th century
DESTROY Defined for English Language Learners
destroy
playDefinition of destroy for English Language Learners
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: to cause (something) to end or no longer exist : to cause the destruction of (something) : to damage (something) so badly that it cannot be repaired
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: to kill (an animal) especially because it is sick, injured, or dangerous
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: to defeat (someone or something) easily or completely
DESTROY Defined for Kids
Learn More about destroy
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See words that rhyme with destroy Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for destroy Spanish Central: Translation of destroy Nglish: Translation of destroy for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of destroy for Arabic speakers
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