destroy
verb (used with object)
to reduce (an object) to useless fragments, a useless form, or remains, as by rending, burning, or dissolving; injure beyond repair or renewal; demolish; ruin; annihilate.
destroying
-
present participleof destroy.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Some black holes generate radio jets soon after destroying a star, while others appear inactive before producing powerful outflows much later.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 16, 2026
In “Digger,” directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, Cruise is the one destroying the planet.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 1, 2026
Bass has been dogged by high unfavorable ratings since the Palisades fire, which broke out in January 2025 while she was out of the country, destroying thousands of homes and leaving 12 dead.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 1, 2026
Alarm bells rang loudly when former Anthropic safety researcher Joseph Coxon said he believed the tech had a 10% chance of destroying humanity within the next 10 years.
From BBC ● Sep. 24, 2026
This map was crucial in destroying the two spheres theory, and in making Copernicanism possible.
From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton
