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.

Modern college basketball is built to do one thing: destroy dynasties.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

Here’s the part people don’t expect to hear: It didn’t destroy us.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

How can doctors destroy cancer cells without harming healthy tissue?

From Science Daily • Apr. 2, 2026

You can’t destroy an industry of incredible value if the product doesn’t do something incredibly valuable.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

No one explains that a crush isn’t fun but is actually named for its ability to destroy.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith