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.
was destroying
-
past progressiveof destroy.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz said in May the bid was destroying "trust" in Germany's second-largest private bank.
From Barron's ● Jun. 16, 2026
I loved him, but he was destroying the rhythm of the show.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 4, 2025
Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson, argued that segregation at HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes, was destroying his mental health and breaching his human rights.
From BBC ● Mar. 21, 2025
Part of that was destroying these beetles — seeing them as a kind of threat even though they were benevolent.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 15, 2024
It sat there tightly and grew, while he thought he was destroying it by fasting and penitence.
From "Siddhartha" by Hermann Hesse
