Definition and meaning of English word "destroy"
destroy
/dɪˈstrɔɪ/
Meaning
VerbTo damage beyond use or repair; to damage (something) to the point that it effectively ceases to exist.
How to use
The verb 'destroy' means to cause something to be completely ruined or broken. A common learner mistake is to use 'destroy' with a noun that is not countable, e.g., 'destroy the furniture' instead of 'damage the furniture'.
🇬🇧 English
destroy
Example
The hurricane destroyed the town.
The fire destroyed the building.
Your personal vocabulary
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Common phrases
- destroy evidence— destroy evidence
- destroy property— destroy property
- self-destroy— self-destruct
More Extended Verbs words
This concept in other languages
Frequency rank: #409 in English
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the English word "destroy" mean?▼
The English word "destroy" means "destroy" in English.
How do you pronounce the English word "destroy"?▼
You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "destroy" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see an example sentence with "destroy"?▼
Yes, here is a practical example: "The hurricane destroyed the town." (which translates as "destroy").
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