destroy
do away with, cause the destruction or undoing of
How often you will meet it
Rank 2,818 of 71,295 words measured. It occurs 5,883 times across 155,370 chapters — 0.003% of every word in the library.
What it means
verb
- do away with, cause the destruction or undoing of also: destruct The fire destroyed the house
- destroy completely; damage irreparably also: ruin You have ruined my car by pouring sugar in the tank!The tears ruined her make-up
- defeat soundly and humiliatingly also: demolish The home team demolished the visitors
- put (an animal) to death also: put down The customs agents destroyed the dog that was found to be rabidthe sick cat had to be put down
destroy in real books
Each sentence below was written by a published author and is taken from a different book in our library. Open one to read the passage it came from, with narration.
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But why should he make a beautiful world, and then destroy it?
The Brook Kerith: A Syrian story · George Moore · Chapter 1
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If you do not do this, I will destroy your whole nation.’
The Yellow Fairy Book: The Grateful Beasts · World Traditions (Celtic, Norse, Asian & Persian) · Chapter 1
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The trees here--ah, man, I haven't the heart to destroy God's most wonderful handiwork.
The Valley of the Giants · Peter B. (Peter Bernard) Kyne · Chapter 1
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Long waits between the acts, tardiness in beginning the performance, and all delays do much to destroy an otherwise happy impression.
The White Christmas and other Merry · Walter Ben Hare · Chapter 1
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Please to destroy this letter at once after you have read it, and act as seems best to you under the circumstances.
By Pike and Dyke · G. A. (George Alfred) Henty · Chapter 1