Destroying
/dɪˈstrɔɪɪŋ/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo put an end to the existence of something by damaging or attacking it.
/dɪˈstrɔɪɪŋ/
To ruin or damage something severely.
The fire was destroying the forest.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're playing with blocks, and then you smash them all down. Destroying is like smashing something so it's gone or broken.
👶 For kids: To break something completely, so it can't be used anymore.
More Examples
The storm destroyed their house.
They are destroying the old building to build a new one.
How It's Used
"The bombing raid was aimed at destroying the enemy's infrastructure."
"Deforestation is destroying vital habitats."
To make something fail or no longer function.
/dɪˈstrɔɪɪŋ/
To end the operation or existence of.
The new law could be destroying small businesses.
💡 Simply: Like when a game is over, and you've totally won, or a business fails. You've ended its existence.
👶 For kids: To make something stop working.
More Examples
The argument was destroying their relationship.
The bad weather is destroying crops.
How It's Used
"The company's new strategy is aimed at destroying its competitor's market share."
"Gossip can be destroying a friendship."
Idioms & expressions
destroy oneself
To harm or ruin one's own well-being or reputation.
"His reckless behavior was destroying himself."
From Middle English *destroien*, from Old French *destruire* (to destroy), from Latin *dēstruere* (to demolish), from *dē-* (down, away) + *struere* (to build).
Used throughout history, particularly in military contexts to describe the damaging of fortifications and infrastructure.
Memory tip
Think of a 'wrecking ball' - it destroys things.