destroy
gb/dɪstɹˈɔɪ/ us/dɪstɹˈɔɪ/
B1
English
~ 1600
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B1
action
1
To damage beyond repair
To break or damage something so badly that it cannot be used again.
Usage pattern:
to destroy [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'destroy' with 'damage'. 'Damage' means harm but not total ruin; 'destroy' means total ruin or loss.
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.)
Collocations
destroy evidence
|destroy property
|destroy completely
|destroy the building
|destroy the enemy
Themes
war
|crime
|disasters
|core_vocabulary
|daily_life
Examples
- The fire destroyed several homes in the town.
- The virus destroyed important files on my computer.
- 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.
- Fire destroyed the car.
- The bomb destroyed the building.
- The flood destroyed the farm.
- The machine destroyed the paper.
Verb
B2
action
2
To completely end something non-physical
To end something like a plan, hope, or relationship completely.
Usage pattern:
to destroy [hope/relationship/reputation]
Common mistake:
Learners may try to use 'destroy' for minor problems in relationships where 'hurt' or 'damage' would be more accurate.
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.)
Collocations
destroy trust
|destroy confidence
|destroy a friendship
|destroy someone's reputation
Themes
emotions
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The scandal destroyed his political career.
- Her harsh words destroyed their friendship.
- The news destroyed his hope for a better future.
- The betrayal destroyed the trust between them.
Learner examples
- The bad news destroyed his hope.
- She destroyed their friendship.
- The lie destroyed trust.
- The scandal destroyed his career.
Verb
informal
B2
action
3
To win by a large margin
To win against someone very easily and by a lot.
Usage pattern:
to destroy [opponent] in [competition]
Common mistake:
Learners may misunderstand this figurative use and think it means physical harm rather than just winning easily.
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.)
Collocations
destroy the competition
|destroy the opponent
Themes
sports
|competition
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Our team destroyed theirs in the final match.
- She destroyed her opponent in the debate.
- They destroyed the visiting team 6–0.
Learner examples
- We destroyed them in the game.
- She destroyed her friend in chess.
- The team destroyed their rivals.
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.