destroy
verb
, dē-\
Definition of destroy
Keep scrolling for more
Synonyms & Antonyms for destroy
Synonyms
annihilate, cream, decimate, demolish, desolate, devastate, do in, extinguish, nuke, pull down, pulverize, raze, rub out, ruin, shatter, smash, tear down, total, vaporize, waste, wrack, wreck
Antonyms
build, construct, erect, put up, raise, rear, set up
Visit the Thesaurus for More
Examples of destroy in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Per BuzzFeed, Dee Dee claimed that their home in Louisiana had been hit by Hurricane Katrina, and their apartment destroyed. — Emma Dibdin, Harper's BAZAAR, "A Complete Timeline of Dee Dee Blanchard's Murder and Gypsy Blanchard's Trial," 3 Apr. 2019 Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disorder that happens in phases, slowly destroying a person’s memory, cognitive functions, and eventually many physical abilities as well. — Korin Miller, SELF, "Are There Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease to Watch For?," 28 Nov. 2018 If even a horrible story can’t destroy a game that’s otherwise good, what does that say about the value of storytelling in games? — Kyle Orland, Ars Technica, "Observations and lessons from two decades of writing about video games," 25 Nov. 2018 Wildfires have been destroying property and acreage in the state since November 8, when three destructive fires broke out. — Krystin Arneson, Glamour, "Queen Elizabeth Sent a Message of Support for Meghan Markle's Home State of California," 17 Nov. 2018 Other countries’ trade barriers and tariffs have been destroying their businesses. — David Jackson, USA TODAY, "Even at NATO summit, President Trump presses trade complaints about Europe," 11 July 2018 Footage from the scene as police destroyed the site garnered national attention. — Aubrey Nagle, Philly.com, "ICE protester sues Philly police, young Pa. farmers shake up industry | Morning Newsletter," 11 July 2018 Officials are most concerned about the 60,000 homes still covered with tarps after Hurricane Maria destroyed their roofs, Rivera Marín said. — Alex Harris And Kyra Gurney, miamiherald, "21,000 homes, businesses without power as Hurricane Beryl's remains sweep Puerto Rico," 9 July 2018 With the electrical grid destroyed, the entire island was in survival mode, focused on clearing debris and securing food and clean water. — Martha Bayne, Chicago Reader, "Arts / Performing Arts / Visual Art / Theater Y No Había Luz brings the voices of post-Maria Puerto Rico to Chicago," 9 July 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'destroy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for destroy
destroy
verb
English Language Learners Definition of destroy
See the full definition for destroy in the English Language Learners Dictionary
destroy
verb
\
Kids Definition of destroy
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on destroy
What made you want to look up destroy? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Time Traveler Quiz: Which Word Came First?
-
- Which came first?
Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
-
Time Traveler Quiz: Which Word Came First?
Which word entered the English language first?
Take the quiz -
Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times
Do you know these earlier meanings of words?
Take the quiz -
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?
Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
Take the quiz -
Syn City
Build a city of skyscrapers—one synonym at a time.
Play the game
Share destroy
Resources for destroy