destroyed

/dɪˈstrɔɪ/ (bre, ipa) · [dɪstrˈɔɪd] /dɪˈstrɔɪ/ (ame, ipa) · [dɪstrˈɔɪd] /di-ˈstrȯi dē-/ (ame, mw)

destroyed — verb

  • destroyedpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • destroyeds3rd person singular
  • destroyeding-ing form
  • destroyededpast simple

1. to harm or break something so severely that it no longer works, exists, or can b

1.動詞及物B1
釋義

to harm or break something so severely that it no longer works, exists, or can be fixed

例句

Eitan's phone was destroyed when he dropped it into the swimming pool.

passive: be destroyed by [action]

The earthquake destroyed hundreds of homes in the village where Niran grew up.

同義詞
  • demolish

    stronger, used especially for buildings and structures

  • ruin

    focuses on the loss of value or function rather than physical breaking

  • wreck

    informal, often used for vehicles or plans

反義詞
  • build

    the opposite action of creating a structure

  • create

    focuses on making something new

文法句型

be destroyed (by something)

用法筆記

'Destroyed' is the past tense and past participle form of the verb 'destroy'. This sense is often used in the passive voice ('something was destroyed by someone').

常見錯誤

❌The storm destroyed part of the roof so we had to patch it.
✅The storm damaged part of the roof so we had to patch it.
💡'destroy' means the roof could not be repaired; use 'damage' when the harm is partial and fixable.

2. to end the life of an animal, usually because the creature is suffering from a s

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

to end the life of an animal, usually because the creature is suffering from a serious illness or injury, or could harm people

例句

The vet gently destroyed the injured cat to end its suffering.

formal/technical register for euthanising animals

Chidi agreed that the dangerous snake should be destroyed before it could hurt anyone.

同義詞
  • put down

    much more common in everyday English

  • euthanise

    slightly more formal, used mainly for pets

反義詞
  • save

    refers to treating the animal instead

文法句型

destroy + animal

have [animal] destroyed

用法筆記

This sense is formal and common in official or veterinary contexts. In everyday conversation, people usually say 'put to sleep' or 'put down' instead of 'destroyed' for a pet animal.