destroy
UK[dɪˈstrɔɪ]US[dɪˈstrɔɪ]
v
To damage something so badly that it no longer exists or cannot be used or repaired.
v
To kill an animal, especially because it is sick or dangerous.
Morpheme Breakdown
de
stroy
de
down, away
stroy
build
Etymology
The word 'destroy' entered English in the 13th century from the Old French destruire, which itself descended from the Latin destruere, meaning "to tear down, demolish." This Latin verb is a compound of the prefix de- ("down, away") and the verb struere ("to build, pile up"). The literal, ancient logic is therefore "to un-build" or "to tear down what has been built." Over time, this specific sense of demolition broadened into the modern, more general abstract meaning of causing complete ruin or annihilation, applying not just to structures but to objects, plans, hopes, and living things. The core semantic link remains the reversal of a constructive or existing state into non-existence.
Analysis
Structure: de (down, away) + stroy (build)
- de: A Latin prefix meaning "down, away, off, reversal, removal."
- stroy: Derived from the Latin verb struere, meaning "to build, pile up, arrange." The form 'stroy' is a direct substring from the Old French destruire.
Examples
The factory was completely destroyed by the fire.
The scandal destroyed his political career.
The vet had to destroy the injured horse.