destroys
Reduces to nothing
Destroys is the third-person singular of destroy—to ruin completely, render useless, or put an end to something's existence.
Buildings are destroyed by fire, documents are destroyed to prevent discovery, hopes are destroyed by disappointment.
In casual speech, destroys can mean to defeat decisively: Our team destroyed them 42-7.
To destroy an animal is to kill it, often as a euphemism for putting down a pet.
Compress with force
- conquerOvercome by force
- vanquishDefeat thoroughly in conflict
- overpowerDefeat by superior force
- overwhelmDefeat by excess
trounce · rout · demolish · dominate · thrash · annihilate · decimate · obliterate
Destroy completely
- wreckDestroyed vessel or vehicle
- razeDestroy completely
- flattenMake level or smooth
- levelHorizontal or uniform position
tear down · topple · dismantle · knock down · bulldoze · smash · shatter · pulverize
Destroy completely, leaving nothing
- obliterateDestroy all traces of
- wipe outDestroy completely or tumble
- exterminateDestroy completely, every one
- eradicateDestroy completely, utterly
extinguish · vaporize · atomize · incinerate · decimate · liquidate · eliminate · purge
crush
Compress with force
overwhelm · trounce · rout · demolish · dominate · thrash · annihilate · decimate · obliterate · steamroll
demolish
Destroy completely
level · tear down · topple · dismantle · knock down · bulldoze · smash · shatter · pulverize · crush
annihilate
Destroy completely, leaving nothing
- obliterateDestroy all traces of
- wipe outDestroy completely or tumble
- exterminateDestroy completely, every one
eradicate · extinguish · vaporize · atomize · incinerate · decimate · liquidate · eliminate · purge · expunge
ruin
Complete destruction or collapse
- wreckDestroyed vessel or vehicle
- devastateDestroy thoroughly and completely
- ravageCause severe destruction
spoil · damage · sabotage · vandalize · trash · blight · mar · impair · undermine · corrupt
decay
Gradual organic breakdown
- deteriorateGrow worse over time
- degradeLower in standing
- corrodeDestroy through chemical action
rot · crumble · disintegrate · decompose · wear away · eat away · consume · gnaw · rust · fester
destroyscreates
Brings into being
builds · constructs · makes · produces · generates
- totally destroyEliminate without remainder
- search and destroyTactical elimination mission
- destroyed jeansPants with deliberate damage
- destroying evidenceEliminating incriminating materials
- Star DestroyerColossal wedge-shaped spacecraft
- tank destroyerVehicle built to kill armor