destroyed; destroying; destroys
1
: to ruin the structure, organic existence, or condition of : damage beyond repair
destroyed the files
Their reputation was destroyed.
A disease that destroys the body's ability to fight off illness.
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
… marines have been trained to close with and destroy the enemy. That's what we do.—
Stephen W. Larose
Stephen W. Larose
d
informal
: to defeat soundly
destroyed the other team 10-1
: to cause ruin or destruction
It is proverbially easier to destroy than to construct …—T. S. Eliot
T. S. EliotExamples 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.
Recent Examples on the Web
America grants freedom even to those who burn our flag or promote the policies of countries and groups that have tried to destroy us.
—
Tom Campbell,
Oc Register,
4 July 2026
These structures were regionally and culturally inspired, and largely destroyed during rapid and callous colonization.
—
Elizabeth Fazzare,
Architectural Digest,
4 July 2026
The Aspen Acres fire has likely destroyed more than 200 homes, but the fire conditions have stopped damage assessment teams from accessing some areas to get a clearer picture, Pueblo County officials said.
—
Katie Langford,
Denver Post,
4 July 2026
The tornado struck about 100 yards from the previous -- hitting a total of 84 planes, 35 of which were destroyed.
—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
4 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for destroy
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Tom Campbell,
Oc Register,
4 July 2026
These structures were regionally and culturally inspired, and largely destroyed during rapid and callous colonization.
—
Elizabeth Fazzare,
Architectural Digest,
4 July 2026
The Aspen Acres fire has likely destroyed more than 200 homes, but the fire conditions have stopped damage assessment teams from accessing some areas to get a clearer picture, Pueblo County officials said.
—
Katie Langford,
Denver Post,
4 July 2026
The tornado struck about 100 yards from the previous -- hitting a total of 84 planes, 35 of which were destroyed.
—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
4 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for destroy
Cite this Entry
“Destroy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destroy. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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