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.
are destroying
-
present progressiveof destroy.present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate present.
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.
“That’s really kind of disheartening — that we’ve tried our best to mitigate fires ... yet fires are destroying more homes,” said Amanda Carlson, a research scientist with the U.S.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 1, 2026
Oh yeah, “Baghdad Bob,” Iraq’s lying former information minister: “Today, the tide has turned, we are destroying them.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 5, 2026
We know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that we are destroying the ecosystems we live in and depend on, and all the rest besides.
From Slate ● May 14, 2025
The animals also rely on habitats like coral reefs and mangroves that humans are destroying, all of which makes "it harder for sharks to find suitable breeding, nursery and feeding grounds," Rummer said.
From Salon ● Jul. 21, 2024
Do I realize that nitrogen fertilizers are destroying fish life by fostering an overgrowth of algae?
From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood
