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.

Using Polymarket, the world’s largest prediction-market platform, they made bets on the fires—how they would grow, how long they would last, and how much they would destroy.

From Slate • Jun. 30, 2026

“The University tried to destroy Dr. Kil’s thriving career but they cannot silence her voice.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 30, 2026

President William Ruto on Friday said people had a right to protest but warned that anyone "mobilised to destroy property or cause chaos" would not be tolerated.

From BBC • Jun. 25, 2026

Ruto said this week that Kenyans had a right to demonstrate, but warned against anyone "mobilised to destroy property or cause chaos".

From Barron's • Jun. 25, 2026

“You’re the ones who wanted to destroy him!”

From "Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody" by Patrick Ness

Vocabulary lists containing destroy

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Workshop 2, Part 1

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