Destroy meaning

What does “destroy” mean? Definitions, examples, synonyms and opposites.

“destroy” is a verb with 4 meanings. Its most common meaning is: do away with, cause the destruction or undoing of.

destroy

do away with, cause the destruction or undoing of
“The fire destroyed the house”
Synonymsdestruct
destroy completely; damage irreparably
“You have ruined my car by pouring sugar in the tank!”
“The tears ruined her make-up”
Synonymsruin
defeat soundly and humiliatingly
“The home team demolished the visitors”
Synonymsdemolish
put (an animal) to death
“The customs agents destroyed the dog that was found to be rabid”
“the sick cat had to be put down”
Synonymsput down

Source: WordNet 3.1, Princeton University