destroy

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To damage something so badly that it no longer exists or cannot be used.

   The fire destroyed the entire house.

2. 2
   verb

   To completely defeat someone, especially in a game or competition.

   Their team destroyed ours in the final.

3. 3
   verb

   To kill an animal because it is sick, dangerous or unwanted.

   The dog had to be destroyed after the attack.

From Middle English destroyen, from Old French destruire, Vulgar Latin *destrugō, from Classical Latin dēstruō, from dē- (“un-, de-”) + struō (“to build”).

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