to damage something so badly that it no longer exists or cannot be used
The storm destroyed the small fishing village by the coast.
Workers used a huge bulldozer to destroy the old brick warehouse.
✦ From Old French destruire, from Latin dēstruere “to unbuild, pull down.”
to ruin completely something abstract, such as a plan, relationship, or someone’s happiness or reputation
The scandal destroyed the politician’s career overnight.
Harsh words can destroy a child’s confidence.
to defeat an opponent completely, especially in a game, sport, or competition
Our soccer team destroyed theirs five-nil in the final.
The chess champion destroyed his challenger in just twenty moves.
a person or thing that destroys or ruins something.
The storm was a great destroyer of crops.
Vandals are destroyers of community property.
✦ Late 16th century: from 'destroy' + '-er,' denoting the agent.
a small, fast warship used for protecting larger ships from submarines, aircraft, and other threats.
The destroyer sailed swiftly alongside the aircraft carrier.
Our fleet includes several modern destroyers.
✦ Late 19th century: shortening of 'torpedo-boat destroyer,' later understood as agent noun from 'destroy' + '-er.'
