Definition of “Destroyed”
The word “destroyed” is the past tense of “destroy,” which means to cause something to cease to exist, break beyond repair, or ruin completely. It is commonly used in contexts such as physical destruction, emotional devastation, and metaphorical annihilation.
Synonyms for “Destroyed”
Strongest Matches (Complete Ruin)
These words imply total destruction with no chance of recovery:
- Annihilated
- Obliterated
- Eradicated
- Wiped out
- Demolished
- Exterminated
- Extinguished
- Devastated
- Shattered
- Decimated
Strong Matches (Severe Damage)
These words suggest significant but not necessarily total destruction:
- Ruined
- Crushed
- Ravaged
- Torn apart
- Mutilated
- Disintegrated
- Dismantled
- Disrupted
- Wrecked
- Smashed
Weak Matches (Minor or Figurative Damage)
These words convey damage that is either partial or emotional rather than physical:
- Damaged
- Broken
- Impaired
- Weakened
- Hurt
- Marred
- Dented
- Fractured
- Defaced
- Undermined
Example Sentences
- Physical Destruction: “The hurricane destroyed entire neighborhoods, leaving thousands homeless.”
- Emotional Devastation: “After the scandal, his reputation was completely destroyed.”
- Metaphorical Usage: “The unexpected defeat destroyed the team’s hopes of winning the championship.”
- Humorous/Informal Usage: “That spicy taco destroyed my stomach!”
- Technology & Objects: “The virus destroyed all the data on the computer.”
Contextual Usage
- In War and Conflict:
- “The enemy’s airstrike annihilated the city.”
- “Their forces were obliterated in battle.”
- In Natural Disasters:
- “The earthquake devastated the entire region.”
- “Floodwaters wiped out the farmlands.”
- In Business & Finance:
- “The stock market crash ruined many investors.”
- “The scandal shattered the company’s credibility.”
- In Relationships & Emotions:
- “The breakup crushed her emotionally.”
- “His harsh words wrecked their friendship.”
- In Science & Medicine:
- “The bacteria were completely eradicated by the new treatment.”
- “The virus dismantled his immune system.”
Related Words
- Destruction (noun) – The act of destroying something.
- Destructive (adjective) – Causing great harm or damage.
- Demolition (noun) – The process of tearing something down.
- Annihilation (noun) – Complete destruction.
- Wreckage (noun) – The remains of something that has been destroyed.
Additional Information
- Etymology: “Destroy” originates from the Latin word destrūere, meaning “to tear down.”
- Idiomatic Expressions:
- “Go down in flames” – To fail completely.
- “Tear apart” – To completely ruin or dismantle something.
- “Burn to the ground” – To completely destroy, often used metaphorically.
- Common Misuse: “Destroyed” is sometimes exaggerated in informal speech, e.g., “I was destroyed after that workout” (meaning extremely tired rather than physically ruined).
Disclaimer
This page is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Synonyms may have different nuances and should be used according to context. Always refer to authoritative sources when writing formally.
