destroyed

UK: dɪˈstrɔɪd | US: dɪˈstrɔɪd

Definition

  1. vt. (past tense/past participle of destroy)

    1. To cause severe damage or ruin something completely.
    1. To defeat or annihilate decisively.
    1. To render something nonfunctional or useless.
Structure
de <down, reversal>stroy <build, from Latin *struere*>ed <past tense suffix>
Etymology

The word destroyed originates from Old French destruire, derived from Latin destruere ("to tear down, demolish"). The prefix de- implies reversal or negation, while stroy (from Latin struere, "to build") suggests construction. Thus, destroy literally means "to un-build" or dismantle. Over time, it evolved to signify complete ruin or defeat. The suffix -ed marks the past tense, indicating an action already completed.

Examples

  1. The hurricane destroyed entire neighborhoods.

  2. The team destroyed their opponents in the final match.

  3. Fire destroyed the ancient library.

  4. His reputation was destroyed by the scandal.

  5. The virus destroyed all the data on the computer.