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Synonyms

destroyer

American  
[dih-stroi-er] / dɪˈstrɔɪ ər /

noun

  1. a person or thing that destroys.

  2. a fast, relatively small, warship armed mainly with 5-inch (13-centimeter) guns.


destroyer British  
/ dɪˈstrɔɪə /

noun

  1. a small fast lightly armoured but heavily armed warship

  2. a person or thing that destroys

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • self-destroyer noun

Etymology

Origin of destroyer

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English destroiere (compare Old French destruiere ); destroy, -er 1

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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.

These air defence destroyers can also shoot down drones and ballistic missiles.

From BBC

Once a country fields a fleet of fighter jets, missile defense batteries, or naval destroyers, it commits to years or even decades of operating and support costs.

From MarketWatch

Washington already has more than a dozen warships in the Middle East: one aircraft carrier -- the USS Abraham Lincoln -- nine destroyers and three other combat ships.

From Barron's

He poured forces into the region including two aircraft carriers, half a dozen B-2 bombers, a squadron of advanced F-35 fighters, and destroyers armed with guided missiles.

From The Wall Street Journal

Washington currently has more than a dozen warships in the Middle East: one aircraft carrier -- the USS Abraham Lincoln -- nine destroyers and three other combat ships.

From Barron's