ENGLISH
REFERENCE

destroying

v.
A2 Elementary US //dɪˈstɹɔɪɪŋ// UK //dɪstɹˈɔɪɪŋ// de·stroy·ing

v. to damage something so badly that it cannot be used or does not exist anymore.

v. to damage an object or system so severely that it ceases to exist or cannot be repaired. The present participle form of 'destroy'.


SIMPLE

The fire is destroying the old wooden house.

CONTEXTUAL

The heavy rain is destroying the crops, which will cause food prices to rise next month.

COMPLEX

By destroying the natural habitat of these birds, the new construction project risks driving the local population to extinction within a single decade.

Synonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive and requires a direct object.

© 2026 English Reference