1. (

• destroy ,
• destruct

) do away with, cause the destruction or undoing of; "The fire destroyed the house" ;

2. (

• destroy ,
• ruin

) destroy completely; damage irreparably; "You have ruined my car by pouring sugar in the tank!"; "The tears ruined her make-up" ;

3. (

• demolish ,
• destroy

) defeat soundly and humiliatingly; "The home team demolished the visitors" ;

4. (

• destroy ,
• put_down ,

) put (an animal) to death; "The customs agents destroyed the dog that was found to be rabid"; "the sick cat had to be put down" ;