1. people or things that destroy or cause destruction
2. fast warships designed to protect larger vessels and attack submarines
Usage: nautical; military

Examples

• The hurricane was one of the most powerful destroyers of coastal property in decades.
• Environmental destroyers continue to pollute our rivers and forests.
• The navy deployed three destroyers to escort the aircraft carrier.
• Modern destroyers are equipped with advanced radar and missile systems.
• Critics called the developers destroyers of historic neighborhoods.
• The destroyers patrolled the waters looking for enemy submarines.
• Time and weather are the great destroyers of ancient monuments.