1. to damage something so badly that it cannot be repaired or no longer exists
2. to kill a person or animal
3. to defeat someone or something completely

Examples

• The fire destroyed the entire building.
• The hurricane destroyed many homes along the coast.
• The injured horse had to be destroyed.
• Our team destroyed the competition in the championship game.
• The scandal destroyed his political career.
• Acid rain can destroy forests and lakes.
• The evidence was destroyed before the trial.