Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of verb destroy

4 senses of destroy

Sense 1
destroy, destruct -- (do away with, cause the destruction or undoing of; "The fire destroyed the house")
       => unmake, undo -- (deprive of certain characteristics)

Sense 2
destroy, ruin -- (destroy completely; damage irreparably; "You have ruined my car by pouring sugar in the tank!"; "The tears ruined her make-up")

Sense 3
demolish, destroy -- (defeat soundly; "The home team demolished the visitors")
       => get the better of, overcome, defeat -- (win a victory over; "You must overcome all difficulties"; "defeat your enemies"; "He overcame his shyness"; "He overcame his infirmity"; "Her anger got the better of her and she blew up")

Sense 4
destroy, put down -- (put (an animal) to death; "The customs agents destroyed the dog that was found to be rabid"; "the sick cat had to be put down")
       => kill -- (cause to die; put to death, usually intentionally or knowingly; "This man killed several people when he tried to rob a bank"; "The farmer killed a pig for the holidays")