destroy verb
1 damage sth so badly that it no longer exists
ADV. completely, entirely, totally, utterly | all but, almost, effectively, practically, virtually Their lives have been virtually destroyed by this tragedy. | largely | partly | systematically The rainforest is being systematically destroyed. | by fire The building was destroyed by fire last year.
VERB + DESTROY can/could Drugs can destroy the health and lives of young people. | threaten to This disease threatens to destroy many of our native trees.
PHRASES an attempt to destroy sth a new attempt to destroy enemy positions | be capable of destroying sth These weapons are capable of destroying the entire planet. | be intent on destroying sth She seemed intent on destroying everything they had built up together.
2 kill an animal
ADV. humanely
PHRASES have to be destroyed The horse broke a leg and had to be destroyed.
You can also check other dicts: destroy (English, 中文解释 ), wordnet sense, Collins Definition