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.
had destroyed
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past perfectof destroy.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
U.S. forces said they had destroyed 10 Iranian tankers over the past week.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 10, 2026
But, four weeks before their Wimbledon showdown, Nadal had destroyed Federer 6-1 6-3 6-0 in the Roland Garros final to give him the confidence he could dethrone his rival.
From BBC ● Jun. 18, 2026
The US military said Monday it had destroyed six small Iranian boats, accusing them of threatening shipping.
From Barron's ● May 5, 2026
The Fars news agency, citing sources on the island, earlier reported there had been no damage to oil facilities after Trump said US strikes had destroyed only military targets.
From Barron's ● Mar. 14, 2026
Coconut thatching, some of it still part of the old palm lightning had destroyed, as I could tell from the colour.
From "Nectar in a Sieve" by Kamala Markandaya
