destroy
gb/dɪstɹˈɔɪ/ us/dɪstɹˈɔɪ/
B1
English
~ 1600
elpusztít, megsemmisít, tönkretesz, romba dönt, szétrombol, elver, lealáz, simán legyőz
VERB
B1
1
Usage pattern:
to destroy [something]
The fire destroyed several homes in the town.
A tűz több otthont is elpusztított a városban.
The virus destroyed important files on my computer.
A vírus fontos fájlokat tett tönkre a számítógépemen.
The explosion destroyed the bridge, cutting off access to the city.
Floodwaters destroyed the crops in the valley.
They destroyed the old stadium to make room for a new one.
Learner examples
The storm destroyed the house.
A vihar elpusztította a házat.
Fire destroyed the car.
A tűz tönkretette az autót.
The bomb destroyed the building.
The flood destroyed the farm.
The machine destroyed the paper.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'destroy' with 'damage'. 'Damage' means harm but not total ruin; 'destroy' means total ruin or loss.
Meaning
To damage beyond repair
Collocations
destroy evidence
|destroy property
|destroy completely
|destroy the building
|destroy the enemy
Synonyms
ruin (Often implies serious damage but not necessarily total loss of function.)
|
demolish (Commonly used for buildings and structures, often in a planned way.)
Antonyms
build (Means to create or construct something, the opposite of tearing it down.)
|
preserve (Means to keep something safe from harm or damage.)
Themes
war
|crime
|disasters
|core_vocabulary
|daily_life
Definition
To break or damage something so badly that it cannot be used again.
To cause so much damage to something that it no longer exists or cannot be used or repaired.
VERB
B2
2
Usage pattern:
to destroy [hope/relationship/reputation]
The scandal destroyed his political career.
A botrány tönkretette a politikai karrierjét.
Her harsh words destroyed their friendship.
Bántó szavai tönkretették a barátságukat.
The news destroyed his hope for a better future.
The betrayal destroyed the trust between them.
Learner examples
The bad news destroyed his hope.
A rossz hír romba döntötte minden reményét.
She destroyed their friendship.
Tönkretette a barátságukat.
The lie destroyed trust.
The scandal destroyed his career.
Common mistake:
Learners may try to use 'destroy' for minor problems in relationships where 'hurt' or 'damage' would be more accurate.
Meaning
To completely end something non-physical
Collocations
destroy trust
|destroy confidence
|destroy a friendship
|destroy someone's reputation
Synonyms
shatter (Often used figuratively for breaking feelings or hopes suddenly.)
|
undermine (Implies weakening over time rather than sudden ending.)
Antonyms
strengthen (Means to make stronger or more secure.)
|
build up (Means to develop or improve something over time.)
Themes
emotions
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To end something like a plan, hope, or relationship completely.
To bring an abstract thing, such as an idea, plan, relationship, or feeling, to a complete end.
VERB
B2
INFORMAL
3
Usage pattern:
to destroy [opponent] in [competition]
Our team destroyed theirs in the final match.
A mi csapatunk csúnyán elverte az ő csapatukat a döntőben.
She destroyed her opponent in the debate.
Lealázta az ellenfelét a vitában.
They destroyed the visiting team 6–0.
Learner examples
We destroyed them in the game.
Simán elvertük őket a meccsen.
She destroyed her friend in chess.
Simán elverte a barátját sakkban.
The team destroyed their rivals.
Common mistake:
Learners may misunderstand this figurative use and think it means physical harm rather than just winning easily.
Meaning
To win by a large margin
Collocations
destroy the competition
|destroy the opponent
Synonyms
crush (Informal term meaning to defeat easily and decisively.)
|
overwhelm (Emphasizes overpowering strength leading to victory.)
Antonyms
lose to (To be defeated by another competitor.)
|
draw with (To tie with an opponent rather than defeating them.)
Themes
sports
|competition
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To win against someone very easily and by a lot.
To defeat someone thoroughly in a contest, game, or conflict.
Grammar
Dictionary form
destroy
IPA
GB/dɪstɹˈɔɪ/
US/dɪstɹˈɔɪ/
Syllables & stress
des - troy (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (troy)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: destroy
- 3rd Person Singular: destroys
- Present Participle: destroying
- Past: destroyed
Word family
Forms
destroys
verb
destroying
verb
destroyed
verb
Core family
destruction
noun B1
destructive
adjective B1
Related words
destroyer
noun
destructively
adverb
Negative and opposite forms
indestructible
adjective
Advanced or less common
destructible
adjective
destructiveness
noun
Expressions
destroy evidence
1/dɪstɹˈɔɪ ˈɛvədəns/
fixed phrase
Get rid of proof permanently
To get rid of proof so no one can use it.
Examples
- The suspect tried to destroy evidence before the police arrived.
- He burned the letters to destroy evidence of their meeting.
destroy property
1/dɪstɹˈɔɪ pɹˈɑpɚti/
fixed phrase
Cause severe damage to things or buildings
To break or ruin things that belong to someone else.
Examples
- Vandals destroyed property during the protest.
- The storm destroyed property along the coast.
destroy someone's reputation
1/dɪstɹˈɔɪ sˈʌmwˌʌnz ɹˌɛpjətˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
Ruin public image completely
To make people think badly about someone so they lose respect.
Examples
- The false news story destroyed his reputation.
- Her actions destroyed her reputation in the community.