destroy
Translation
to destroy, to ruin, to demolish
Examples
The fire destroyed the entire building.
The fire destroyed the entire building.
The bad news destroyed his hopes.
The bad news destroyed his hopes.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to damage (sth.) so badly that it cannot be used or no longer exists The storm destroyed many houses.
Similar Words
Synonyms: demolish, ruin, wreck; Antonyms: create, build, construct
Etymology
From Latin 'destruere' (to pull down), from 'de-' (down, un-) + 'struere' (to build). Literally 'to un-build'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'de-structure' – to take a structure apart. It's the opposite of 'construct'.