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.
One Ukrainian unit reported losing control of drones midflight as a result of the disruption, preventing them from destroying a Russian rocket arsenal.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 15, 2026
His government re-established its authority across the country and restored it to its proper function of defending life and property without destroying democracy.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 11, 2026
Under the right conditions, a small star can steadily extract matter from a nearby brown dwarf without immediately destroying it.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 10, 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
We went from playing Super Smash Bros. and ordering pizza to meeting my dead grandmother, being chased by a River God, fighting trolls, coming face-to-face with Bulgu, destroying a building, and slaying a sea serpent.
From "Kwame Crashes the Underworld" by Craig Kofi Farmer
