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.
destroyed
-
past participleof destroy.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
-
past tense formof destroy.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
destroyverb (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.
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.
The shop withstood the loss of his mom and dad, the pandemic and the stress of the Eaton fire, which destroyed his brother’s home.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 9, 2026
The Eljamel public inquiry, external previously heard that 40 theatre logbooks were destroyed in July 2025 despite an order not to do so.
From BBC ● Sep. 9, 2026
The advanced MQ1 drone -- used by only a few countries, including the United States -- was "destroyed" over the Strait of Hormuz, the Guards said, without specifying who was behind the attack.
From Barron's ● Sep. 8, 2026
In a post on social media, Sweeney said it was "outrageous" that a refurbished building risked being destroyed by fire in a "socially-deprived community".
From BBC ● Sep. 7, 2026
If Phineas survived with a large piece of his cortex destroyed, then what does the cortex do?
From "Phineas Gage" by John Fleischman
