destroy
verb
de·stroy
| \ di-ˈstrȯi
, dē-\
, dē-\
destroyed;
destroying;
destroys
Definition of destroy
1
: to ruin the structure, organic existence, or condition of
destroyed the files
also
: to ruin as if by tearing to shreds
their reputation was destroyed a disease that destroys the body's ability to fight off illness … destroyed any hope of a return to past crackdowns … — George Brock
2a
: to put out of existence : kill
destroy an injured horse
b
: neutralize
the moon destroys the light of the stars
c
: annihilate, vanquish
armies had been crippled but not destroyed— W. L. Shirer
: to cause ruin or destruction
it is proverbially easier to destroy than to construct— T. S. Eliot