destroy

• Verbe utilisé pour désigner l'action de causer la fin de l'existence de quelque chose ou sa destruction complète, ou de le réduire en ruines.

A verb used to indicate the act of causing something to cease to exist or be completely ruined.

1. Damage beyond repairA2formal

   To damage something so severely that it cannot be repaired or used again.

   détruire

   • The earthquake destroyed many buildings in the city.
   • Fire destroyed the entire forest.
   • The storm destroyed their crops.

   Synonymesannihilatedemolishdevastateravageruinshattersmashtotaltrashwastewreck

   Antonymesbuildconstructcreatefixrepairrestore

2. End or ruin completelyB1formal

   To put an end to something, such as a plan, hope, or reputation.

   détruire, anéantir

   • The scandal destroyed his political career.
   • The bad review destroyed her confidence.
   • The accident destroyed their dreams of traveling.

   Synonymesannihilatecrushdemolishdevastateextinguishruinshatterwreck

   Antonymesbuildconstructcreateestablishpreserveprotectrepairrestorestrengthensupport

3. Kill or eliminateB2formal

   To kill an animal, especially one that is dangerous or unwanted.

   abattre (un animal)

   • The farmer had to destroy the rabid dog.
   • The hunters destroyed the pack of wolves.
   • The vet recommended destroying the injured animal.

   Synonymesculldispatcheliminateexterminateput downput to sleep