English Dictionary
Definition destroy in British English
destroy
verb
What are red words?
Around 90% of spoken and written English relies on just 7,500 common words.
These words are highlighted in red and are ranked using a star system.
- One-star words are commonly used
- Two-star words are even more common
- Three-star words are the most frequently used
[transitive]
verb
What are red words?
Around 90% of spoken and written English relies on just 7,500 common words.These words are highlighted in red and are ranked using a star system.
- One-star words are commonly used
- Two-star words are even more common
- Three-star words are the most frequently used
/dɪˈstrɔɪ/
Example
Half the world's rainforests have already been destroyed.
Example
An earthquake destroyed the town, killing about 20,000 people.
2
to officially kill an animal because it is dangerous or very ill
3
to cause such severe problems for someone that their life is completely spoilt
Example
Her mother said the strain was destroying them all.
4
to defeat an enemy or opponent completely
