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.

When prices stay unaffordably high for long, that can destroy consumer demand.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

In laboratory experiments, zeaxanthin enhanced these cells' ability to destroy melanoma, multiple myeloma, and glioblastoma cells.

From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2026

It said it was continuing to locate and destroy more.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

There aren’t many macro scenarios that can destroy a terrific opportunity to sell millions of units of smart glasses over the next several years.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

An air strike could never be guaranteed to destroy them all.

From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin

Vocabulary lists containing destroy

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Workshop 2, Part 1

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