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destroy

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destroy

Main Entry:: de·stroy
Pronunciation:: \di-ˈstrȯi, dē-\
Function:: verb
Etymology:: Middle English, from Anglo-French destroy-, destrui-, stem of destrure, from Vulgar Latin *destrugere, alteration of Latin destruere, from de- + struere to build — more at structure
Date:: 13th century

transitive verb1: to ruin the structure, organic existence, or condition of <destroyed the files>; also : to ruin as if by tearing to shreds <their reputation was destroyed>2 a: to put out of existence : kill <destroy an injured horse> b: neutralize <the moon destroys the light of the stars> c: annihilate, vanquish <armies had been crippled but not destroyed— W. L. Shirer>intransitive verb: to cause destruction

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