Top 35 Slang For Destroy – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to expressing the act of destruction, the English language is filled with a variety of slang terms that pack a punch. From the casual to the intense, we’ve compiled a list of the top slang words for destroy that will have you ready to unleash your inner demolisher. So, whether you’re looking to describe a small mishap or a major catastrophe, this list will have you covered. Get ready to explore the fascinating world of destruction and expand your vocabulary in the process!

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1. Wreck

When a car crashes into a building and causes significant damage, you can say it “wrecked” the building.

For example, “The tornado completely wrecked the small town.”
In a video game, a player might say, “I’m going to wreck you in this round.”
If someone accidentally spills a drink on their laptop, they might exclaim, “Oh no, I just wrecked my computer!”

2. Smash

When a person hits a glass bottle against a wall and it breaks into pieces, they “smashed” the bottle.

For instance, “He got so angry, he smashed his phone against the wall.”
In a sports game, a team might say, “We’re going to smash the competition.”
If someone is trying to open a jar and can’t, they might say, “I can’t open it, let me smash it on the counter.”

3. Demolish

When a building is intentionally brought down by explosives, it is “demolished.”

For example, “The old factory was demolished to make way for a new shopping center.”
In a heated argument, one person might say, “I’m going to demolish your argument with facts.”
If someone accidentally knocks over a stack of cups, they might apologize by saying, “I’m so sorry, I just demolished your cups.”

4. Annihilate

When a military force completely wipes out an enemy army, they “annihilate” the enemy.

For instance, “The superhero has the power to annihilate entire cities with a single attack.”
In a video game, a player might say, “I’m going to annihilate you in this match.”
If someone is playing a game of chess and wins in just a few moves, they might say, “I just annihilated my opponent.”

5. Obliterate

When a bomb explodes and completely erases a building from existence, it “obliterates” the building.

For example, “The artist used a paintbrush to obliterate the mistakes on the canvas.”
In a race, a runner might say, “I’m going to obliterate the competition and win first place.”
If someone accidentally spills coffee on a document and it smudges the ink, they might say, “I just obliterated the important information.”

6. Decimate

To decimate means to completely destroy or eliminate a large portion of something. The term originally referred to the practice of killing one out of every ten soldiers in a Roman legion as a form of punishment.

For example, “The hurricane decimated the coastal town, leaving only a few buildings standing.”
In a video game, a player might say, “I decimated the enemy team with my powerful weapon.”
A person discussing the impact of a virus might say, “The pandemic has decimated the tourism industry.”

7. Ruin

To ruin means to completely destroy or spoil something, often rendering it useless or unrepairable.

For instance, “The heavy rain ruined our picnic by soaking all the food.”
In a conversation about relationships, someone might say, “Cheating can ruin a marriage.”
A person discussing a failed project might say, “Poor planning and communication ruined our chances of success.”

8. Devastate

To devastate means to cause severe damage or destruction, often resulting in emotional or psychological distress.

For example, “The earthquake devastated the city, leaving thousands homeless.”
In a discussion about a tragic event, someone might say, “The news of the accident devastated the entire community.”
A person talking about a personal loss might say, “The death of my pet devastated me.”

9. Flatten

To flatten means to completely level or destroy something, often by removing all obstacles or structures.

For instance, “The construction crew flattened the old building to make way for a new development.”
In a conversation about competition, someone might say, “Our team was flattened by the opposing team’s superior skills.”
A person discussing a failed business might say, “The economic downturn flattened our company.”

10. Raze

To raze means to completely demolish or destroy a building or structure, often by tearing it down to the ground.

For example, “The old factory was razed to make room for a new shopping center.”
In a discussion about war, someone might say, “The city was razed during the conflict.”
A person talking about urban development might say, “Historical buildings are often razed to make way for modern constructions.”

11. Total

To “total” something means to completely destroy or demolish it. This term is often used in the context of vehicles or buildings that have been severely damaged beyond repair.

For example, “The car was totaled in the accident and is now a complete wreck.”
A person might say, “The hurricane totally destroyed the coastal town.”
In a video game, a player might exclaim, “I just totally wrecked that boss!”

12. Shatter

To “shatter” means to break or smash something into many small pieces, often with a loud noise. This term can be used metaphorically to describe something being completely destroyed or ruined.

For instance, “The vase fell off the table and shattered into a million pieces.”
A person might say, “The bad news shattered her dreams of becoming an actress.”
In a sports context, a commentator might say, “The team’s hopes of winning were shattered after their star player got injured.”

13. Crush

To “crush” something means to overpower, defeat, or completely destroy it. This term is often used in the context of competition or conflict.

For example, “The army crushed the enemy forces and emerged victorious.”
A person might say, “I have a crush on that celebrity,” meaning they have strong feelings of admiration or infatuation.
In a video game, a player might say, “I just crushed my high score!”

14. Wipe out

To “wipe out” something means to eliminate or destroy it completely. This term is often used in the context of wiping out an entire population or eradicating something entirely.

For instance, “The disease wiped out the entire village.”
A person might say, “The tsunami wiped out the coastal town, leaving nothing but destruction.”
In a financial context, someone might say, “The stock market crash wiped out my savings.”

15. Exterminate

To “exterminate” means to completely destroy, eradicate, or eliminate something, often referring to pests, insects, or unwanted creatures.

For example, “The pest control company was called to exterminate the cockroach infestation.”
In a science fiction context, someone might say, “The aliens are planning to exterminate the entire human race.”
A person might joke, “I need to exterminate all the dust bunnies in my house.”

16. Eradicate

To eradicate means to completely destroy or remove something, leaving no trace behind.

For example, “The government is working to eradicate poverty in the country.”
In a video game, a player might say, “I’m going to eradicate all the enemies in this level.”
A person discussing a pest problem might say, “We need to eradicate these ants before they invade our entire house.”

17. Trash

To trash something means to destroy or ruin it, often in a careless or reckless manner.

For instance, “He trashed his hotel room after the concert.”
In a basketball game, a player might say, “I’m going to trash-talk my opponent to get in their head.”
A person discussing a failed project might say, “We need to trash the entire plan and start from scratch.”

18. Lay waste to

To lay waste to something means to completely destroy or devastate it.

For example, “The hurricane laid waste to the coastal town.”
In a war movie, a character might say, “We’re going to lay waste to the enemy’s stronghold.”
A person discussing a disastrous event might say, “The earthquake laid waste to the entire city.”

19. Blast

To blast something means to cause significant damage or destruction to it.

For instance, “The explosion blasted the building to pieces.”
In a video game, a player might say, “I’m going to blast all the enemies with my powerful weapon.”
A person discussing a strong windstorm might say, “The gusts were so strong, they blasted everything in their path.”

20. Demise

Demise refers to the destruction or end of something, often in a dramatic or final manner.

For example, “The demise of the company was inevitable due to poor management.”
In a crime novel, a detective might investigate the demise of a prominent character.
A person discussing the end of a relationship might say, “Their constant arguments led to the demise of their marriage.”

21. Level

To completely destroy or demolish something, often leaving it completely flat or in ruins. This term is commonly used to describe the destruction of buildings or structures.

For example, “The hurricane leveled the entire neighborhood.”
In a video game, a player might say, “I leveled the enemy base with a powerful attack.”
A witness to a demolition might say, “The wrecking ball leveled the old building in a matter of minutes.”

22. Burn down

To destroy something completely by fire, reducing it to ashes. This slang term is often used to describe the complete destruction of a building or property due to a fire.

For instance, “The abandoned house burned down last night.”
In a crime investigation, a detective might say, “The suspect intentionally set fire to the building, causing it to burn down.”
A homeowner might say, “I forgot to turn off the stove, and it almost burned down the kitchen.”

23. Tear down

To completely destroy or dismantle a structure or object. This slang term is often used to describe the intentional destruction of buildings or the removal of unwanted structures.

For example, “The city decided to tear down the old factory to make way for a new park.”
In a renovation project, a contractor might say, “We need to tear down this wall to create an open floor plan.”
A homeowner might say, “I’m planning to tear down the old shed in my backyard.”

24. Raze to the ground

To completely destroy or obliterate something, leaving nothing behind. This slang term emphasizes the thoroughness and completeness of the destruction.

For instance, “The invading army razed the village to the ground.”
In a war documentary, a narrator might say, “The bombing campaign aimed to raze the enemy’s strongholds to the ground.”
A historian might describe the aftermath of a natural disaster as, “The earthquake razed entire cities to the ground.”

25. Break down

To destroy or take apart something, often piece by piece. This term can be used to describe the process of breaking something into smaller parts or rendering it inoperable.

For example, “The mechanic had to break down the engine to find the source of the problem.”
In a discussion about recycling, someone might say, “We break down old electronics into their component parts for recycling.”
A frustrated person might say, “This computer keeps freezing and breaking down.”

26. Wreck havoc

This phrase is used to describe a situation or event that causes extreme damage or disruption. It implies that something or someone is causing complete chaos or wreaking havoc on a particular situation or environment.

For example, “The hurricane wrecked havoc on the coastal town, leaving behind a path of destruction.”
In a discussion about a disastrous event, someone might say, “The earthquake truly wrecked havoc on the city, leaving buildings in ruins.”
A news headline might read, “Wildfire continues to wreck havoc on California, displacing thousands of residents.”

27. Pulverize

This word is used to describe the act of completely and thoroughly destroying something, often to the point of reducing it to small particles or dust.

For instance, “The building was pulverized by the explosion, leaving nothing but rubble.”
In a conversation about sports, someone might say, “The team’s offense was so strong, they completely pulverized their opponents.”
A chef might use the term when talking about blending ingredients, saying, “I’m going to pulverize the garlic in the food processor until it’s a paste.”

28. Tear apart

This phrase is used to describe the act of completely dismantling or destroying something, often with force or aggression.

For example, “The tornado tore apart the small town, leaving behind a path of destruction.”
In a discussion about relationships, someone might say, “Their constant arguments eventually tore their marriage apart.”
A mechanic might use the term when talking about disassembling a car engine, saying, “We need to tear apart the engine to figure out what’s wrong.”

29. Nuke

This word is used to describe the act of completely annihilating or obliterating something, often with a powerful explosive force.

For instance, “The bomb was so powerful, it nuked the entire city.”
In a conversation about video games, someone might say, “I just nuked my opponent’s base and won the game.”
A person discussing a devastating event might say, “The volcanic eruption nuked the surrounding landscape, leaving it unrecognizable.”

30. Ransack

This word is used to describe the act of searching a place thoroughly and leaving it in a state of disarray or chaos.

For example, “Burglars ransacked the house, leaving behind a mess and taking valuable items.”
In a conversation about a messy room, someone might say, “It looks like a tornado ransacked this place.”
A detective might use the term when talking about a crime scene, saying, “The suspect ransacked the victim’s office, searching for something specific.”

31. Lay to waste

This phrase is often used to describe the act of causing extensive damage or destruction to something.

For example, “The hurricane laid the coastal town to waste, leaving nothing but rubble.”
In a war zone, a journalist might report, “The bombings have laid the city to waste, leaving thousands homeless.”
A person describing a devastating fire might say, “The flames quickly spread and laid the entire building to waste.”

32. Demolition

This term specifically refers to the deliberate act of destroying a building or structure, often through controlled explosions or other methods.

For instance, “The old factory is scheduled for demolition next week.”
A construction worker might say, “We need to clear the site before we can start the demolition.”
In a discussion about urban development, someone might argue, “Historic buildings should be preserved rather than subjected to demolition.”

33. Extirpate

This word is often used to describe the act of removing or destroying something completely, usually in a systematic or deliberate manner.

For example, “The invasive species must be extirpated from the ecosystem to protect native plants and animals.”
A government official might announce, “Efforts are being made to extirpate corruption from the system.”
In a discussion about eradicating a disease, a doctor might say, “We need to extirpate the virus to prevent further spread.”

34. Dismantle

This term refers to the act of carefully and methodically taking apart a structure or object, often with the intention of reusing or disposing of its components.

For instance, “The old car was dismantled for parts.”
A furniture maker might say, “I need to dismantle this table to repair the legs.”
In a discussion about decommissioning a nuclear power plant, an engineer might explain, “We have to dismantle the reactors and safely dispose of the radioactive materials.”

35. Wreak havoc

This phrase is often used to describe the act of causing extensive damage or chaos in a situation or environment.

For example, “The storm wreaked havoc on the coastal town, flooding streets and destroying homes.”
A hacker might unleash a computer virus and wreak havoc on a network.
In a discussion about reckless behavior, someone might say, “Drunk driving can wreak havoc on innocent lives.”