destroying Definition

destroy
verb destroyed, destroying

1. To knock down, break into pieces, completely ruin, etc.

Thesaurus: wreck, demolish, tear down, destruct, eradicate, level, ruin, raze; Antonym: create.
2. To put an end to something.
3. To defeat someone totally.

Thesaurus: annihilate, exterminate, wipe out, kill, waste, eliminate.
4. To ruin or seriously damage the reputation, health, financial position, etc of someone.
5. To kill (a dangerous, injured or unwanted animal).

Etymology: 13c: from French destruire, from Latin de down + struere to build.