What is destroy? Pronunciation and usage in English

destroy means . Learn how to pronounce and use destroy through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of destroy

destroyverb

/dɪˈstrɔɪ/
Definition & pronunciation of destroy

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "destroy" in English. Here's a breakdown and a few options for how to say it:

1. The Most Common Pronunciation (American English):

  • ˈdes trə waɪ (des-truh-why)

    • ˈdes: This is the stressed syllable. The "e" is pronounced like the "e" in "bed." It's a short "e" sound.
    • trə: This is a very short, unstressed "uh" sound – like the "a" in "about."
    • waɪ: This is the final syllable, pronounced like the "my" in "mystery."

2. British English Pronunciation:

  • dəˈstroɪ (duh-STROY)

    • də: This is a short "uh" sound, similar to the "a" in "about" or "under".
    • ˈstroɪ: The stress is here. This is pronounced “stroy” with a strong “oy” sound, like the "oi" in "boy" or "toy”.

Key Points & Tips:

  • Stress: The first syllable ("des") is always stressed in both American and British English.
  • "tr" sound: The "tr" is pronounced as a single sound, not as two separate "t" and "r" sounds.
  • "oy" sound: The final "oy" sound is crucial in British English. It's a more elongated sound than a typical "oi."

Resources to Hear the Pronunciation:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from? (American, British, or somewhere else?)

Usage and examples with the word destroy in English

Let's break down how to use the word "destroy" in English. It's a powerful word with a strong meaning, so it's important to use it correctly.

1. Basic Meaning:

  • To completely ruin or obliterate something. This is the core definition. It implies a final, irreversible damage.

2. How to Use "Destroy" – Different Contexts & Examples:

  • Physical Objects:

    • "The earthquake destroyed the village." (Complete ruin of buildings and infrastructure)
    • "The fire destroyed our house." (Total loss of the dwelling)
    • "The soldiers destroyed the bridge to prevent the enemy from advancing." (Deliberate demolition)
    • "Vandals destroyed the statue." (Damage and ruin of something valuable)

  • Abstract Concepts/Emotions:

    • "His words destroyed her confidence." (Ruined her self-esteem)
    • "The betrayal destroyed their friendship." (Ended the relationship completely)
    • "War destroyed countless lives." (Caused widespread death and suffering)
    • "Fear can destroy a person's spirit." (Overwhelms and diminishes someone's well-being)

  • Actions/Processes:

    • "The acid destroyed the fabric." (Chemically damaged it)
    • "The erosion destroyed the coastline." (Gradually wore it away)
    • "The virus can destroy the immune system." (Causes irreversible damage to the body's defenses)

3. Different Forms & Nuances:

  • Destroyed: Past participle used as an adjective (e.g., "The destroyed building was a scene of devastation.")
  • Destroying: Present participle/gerund used as a verb (e.g., "The storm is destroying the crops.")
  • Destruction: The noun form – the act or process of destroying (e.g., "The storm caused widespread destruction.")

4. Stronger Synonyms (When "destroy" might feel a little too forceful):

  • Obliterate: (Implies complete removal, often with a dramatic effect) – “The bomb obliterated the city.”
  • Demolish: (Often used for buildings) – “They demolished the old factory.”
  • Ruin: (Suggests a loss of value or condition) – “The storm ruined the picnic.”
  • Ravage: (Suggests violent and devastating damage) – “The hurricane ravaged the coastline.”
  • Wreck: (Usually refers to damage to a vehicle or ship) - “The storm wrecked the boat.”

5. Important Considerations:

  • Intensity: “Destroy” is a very strong word. Think carefully about whether it’s the most appropriate term for the level of damage or impact you’re describing. Sometimes "damage" or "harm" might be more suitable.
  • Context: The context will heavily influence the word’s meaning. Consider what is being destroyed and how.

Example Sentences Demonstrating Different Uses:

  • "The hurricane relentlessly destroyed everything in its path." (Physical objects)
  • "His constant criticism destroyed her motivation." (Abstract concept – emotion)
  • "The chemical reaction destroyed the organic compound." (Process)

To help me give you more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to write or say? (e.g., a story, an essay, a description of an event?)
  • What is being "destroyed"? (e.g., a building, a feeling, an idea?)

Synonyms for the word destroy

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