destroyer

/dɪˈstrɔɪə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /dɪˈstrɔɪər/ (ame, ipa) · /di-ˈstrȯi(-ə)r dē-/ (ame, mw)

destroyer — noun

  • destroyersingular
  • destroyersplural

1. A small, fast warship armed with guns, missiles, and torpedoes, whose job is to

1.名詞B2
釋義

A small, fast warship armed with guns, missiles, and torpedoes, whose job is to travel with and protect larger ships in a fleet.

例句

The destroyer sped across the bay to intercept the enemy cargo ships.

collocation: destroyer + intercept / enemy

Three destroyers escorted the aircraft carrier through the narrow strait.

collocation: destroyer + escort [larger vessel]

同義詞
  • warship

    a broader category that includes destroyers, battleships, and carriers

  • man-of-war

    an older, informal term for any armed naval vessel; now rare

用法筆記

In modern navies, a destroyer is larger than a frigate but smaller than a cruiser. The term is not used for civilian vessels.

常見錯誤

❌A destroyer is a large passenger ship like a cruise liner.
✅A destroyer is a small fast navy ship used to protect larger vessels.
💡Destroyers are military warships, not passenger ships.

2. A person, animal, or force that completely ruins something, making it impossible

2.名詞B2
釋義

A person, animal, or force that completely ruins something, making it impossible to use or exist any longer.

例句

The wildfire was a ruthless destroyer of ancient forests and wildlife habitats.

pattern: destroyer of [something]

In the old legend, the dragon is a destroyer of villages and crops.

同義詞
  • wrecker

    more informal; often suggests someone who causes chaos or damages vehicles on purpose

  • demolisher

    focuses on physically tearing down structures; less common in figurative use

  • annihilator

    stronger, suggesting total obliteration; more dramatic and less common in everyday speech

反義詞
  • builder

    someone who constructs or creates rather than ruins

  • preserver

    someone who keeps something in good condition and protects it from harm

用法筆記

Often followed by 'of' + the thing that is ruined. Common in both literal (wildfire destroyer of homes) and figurative (destroyer of dreams) contexts.

常見錯誤

❌He is a destroyer of cars' (when meaning a mechanic).
✅He is a car mechanic who fixes engines.
💡Destroyer implies complete ruin, not repair or disassembly.