destroy

[dih-stroi] / dɪˈstrɔɪ /

VERB

demolish, devastate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

consume crush damage dismantle end eradicate gut impair kill maim ravage raze ruin sabotage shatter smash smash-up wipe out wreck

STRONG

abort annihilate annul axe butcher cream deface desolate despoil dispatch erase exterminate extinguish extirpate level liquidate mar maraud mutilate nuke nullify overturn quash quell ravish slay suppress torpedo total trash vaporize waste wax zap

WEAK

blot out break down lay waste snuff out spoliate stamp out swallow up tear down

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aid assist bear begin build construct create fix give birth help lose mend repair start

STRONG

improve keep preserve retain save validate

WEAK

restore

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It was just a place for them to be wild and play and make art where I didn’t have to destroy my house every day.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

"Do I want to destroy their infrastructure? No," he said.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

“When someone sets fires that endanger lives and destroy a community’s sense of safety, my office will pursue the most serious charges available and seek justice for the victims,” Los Angeles County Dist.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Scientists already knew that quasars can destroy this gas within their own galaxies, effectively shutting down local star formation.

From Science Daily • Mar. 30, 2026

“I realize that you may destroy me, and if that is my fate, I welcome it. Come now, let us see if the vaunted reputation of the djinn is well deserved!”

From "Half Upon a Time" by James Riley

destroy

Example Sentences

Related Words