A2verb 1K

Destroy

🇬🇧 UK /["/dɪˈstrɔɪ/","/dɪˈstrɔɪz/","/dɪˈstrɔɪd/","/dɪˈstrɔɪɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/dɪˈstrɔɪ/","/dɪˈstrɔɪz/","/dɪˈstrɔɪd/","/dɪˈstrɔɪɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Destroy

to damage something so badly that it no longer exists, works, etc.

In simple words: to completely ruin or cause something to no longer exist

Destroy in a sentence

• The storm can easily destroy buildings if it's strong enough.
• He didn't mean to destroy their friendship with his words.
• The video game's objective is to destroy all the enemy targets.
• A fire can destroy everything in its path.
• Some ancient civilizations were destroyed by wars.
• The bomb was designed to destroy the enemy's supply line.
• She felt that criticism could destroy her confidence.
• They had to destroy the old building to make room for the new one.
• It's important to destroy old documents that contain sensitive information.

How to use Destroy

Use 'destroy' when referring to causing complete damage or ruin. It's suitable in most contexts but avoid using it lightly in casual conversations to describe minor damage, as it may sound overly dramatic.

Grammar pattern

destroy + object

Memory hint

Think of 'de-stroy' as taking something apart like a toy being smashed.

Related words

Collocations with Destroy

• completely
• entirely
• totally
• can
• could
• etc.
• an attempt to destroy something
• be capable of destroying something
• be intent on destroying something
• humanely
• have to be destroyed

Synonyms for Destroy

• obliterate
• annihilate
• devastate
• wreck
• ruin

Opposites of Destroy

• build
• create
• construct

Common mistakes with Destroy

• Using with a non-physical object, like 'destroy a feeling' - should say 'hurt' or 'damage'.
• Confusing with 'create' - opposite meanings but can confuse learners.
• Using in a passive voice incorrectly, like 'was destroyed by him' which can sound confusing.

Frequently asked questions about Destroy

What does Destroy mean?

to completely ruin or cause something to no longer exist

What is the definition of Destroy?

to damage something so badly that it no longer exists, works, etc.

How do you use Destroy in a sentence?

The storm can easily destroy buildings if it's strong enough.

Can you give another example of Destroy?

He didn't mean to destroy their friendship with his words.

What are synonyms for Destroy?

Common alternatives include obliterate, annihilate, devastate, wreck, ruin.

What is the opposite of Destroy?

Opposite meanings include build, create, construct.

What words go with Destroy?

It commonly pairs with completely, entirely, totally, can, could, etc., an attempt to destroy something, be capable of destroying something, be intent on destroying something, humanely, have to be destroyed.

What are common mistakes when using Destroy?

Using with a non-physical object, like 'destroy a feeling' - should say 'hurt' or 'damage'. Confusing with 'create' - opposite meanings but can confuse learners. Using in a passive voice incorrectly, like 'was destroyed by him' which can sound confusing.

How do you pronounce Destroy?

US: /["/dɪˈstrɔɪ/","/dɪˈstrɔɪz/","/dɪˈstrɔɪd/","/dɪˈstrɔɪɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/dɪˈstrɔɪ/","/dɪˈstrɔɪz/","/dɪˈstrɔɪd/","/dɪˈstrɔɪɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Destroy?

Use 'destroy' when referring to causing complete damage or ruin. It's suitable in most contexts but avoid using it lightly in casual conversations to describe minor damage, as it may sound overly dramatic.

What CEFR level is Destroy?

"Destroy" is at A2 level on the CEFR scale.