zerstören
Translation
to destroy, to ruin, to demolish
Examples
Der Sturm hat das Haus zerstört.
The storm destroyed the house.
Du zerstörst meine Pläne.
You are ruining my plans.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to destroy sth. The storm destroyed the house.
Similar Words
Synonyms: vernichten, kaputtmachen; Antonyms: aufbauen, erschaffen
Etymology
The prefix 'zer-' often implies destruction or falling apart, combined with 'stören' (to disturb). The idea is to disturb something until it falls apart.
Memory Tips
The 'zer-' prefix is a good clue for destructive actions, like in 'zerbrechen' (to break into pieces).