Collocations for destroy - verb
1. damage sth so badly that it no longer exists
ADV.
completely, entirely, totally, utterly | all but, almost, effectively, practically, virtually
Their lives have been virtually destroyed by this tragedy.
Their lives have been virtually destroyed by this tragedy.
largely | partly | systematically
The rainforest is being systematically destroyed.
The rainforest is being systematically destroyed.
by fire
The building was destroyed by fire last year.
The building was destroyed by fire last year.
VERB + DESTROY
can/could
Drugs can destroy the health and lives of young people.
Drugs can destroy the health and lives of young people.
threaten to
This disease threatens to destroy many of our native trees.
This disease threatens to destroy many of our native trees.
PHRASES
an attempt to destroy sth
a new attempt to destroy enemy positions
a new attempt to destroy enemy positions
be capable of destroying sth
These weapons are capable of destroying the entire planet.
These weapons are capable of destroying the entire planet.
be intent on destroying sth
She seemed intent on destroying everything they had built up together.
She seemed intent on destroying everything they had built up together.
2. kill an animal
ADV.
humanely
PHRASES
have to be destroyed
The horse broke a leg and had to be destroyed.
The horse broke a leg and had to be destroyed.