destroyed

Everyday

1. Destroyed is the past form of destroy, which means to damage something so badly that it no longer exists or cannot be used. tree →
2. As an adjective, destroyed means completely ruined. tree →
3. Informally, destroyed means very upset or very tired, or beaten very badly in a game. tree →

In the lessons

In history and geography, earthquakes, floods, fires and wars destroy buildings and habitats; pupils learn how people rebuild. In science, habitats destroyed by people threaten animals. In stories, a dragon or storm destroys a town. Phrases: completely destroyed, destroyed by fire, totally destroyed.

Examples

• The storm destroyed many houses. tree →
• The forest was destroyed by fire. tree →
• The castle was destroyed long ago. tree →
• My sandcastle was destroyed by a wave. tree →
• Many habitats are destroyed when forests are cut down. tree →
• The earthquake destroyed the bridge. tree →
• Our team got destroyed 10–0. tree →
• Somebody ought to do something, or we shall all be destroyed." tree →

Note

Past and past participle of destroy: destroyed (add -ed; the y stays because a vowel comes before it). Noun: destruction; adjective: destructive. Damaged means harmed but may be fixed; destroyed means ruined.

In Jewish tradition

Often means wiped out as a punishment, for example for worshipping other gods or for sin; it can mean a person is cut off from the people.

Interpretation. Tradition reads Moses' prayer, when God was angry enough to destroy the people, as a sign of the power of a leader's prayer for others.

Examples

• He that sacrificeth unto the gods, save unto the LORD only, shall be utterly destroyed. (Torah EXO.22.20, JPS 1917) tree →
• Also in Horeb ye made the LORD wroth, and the LORD was angered with you to have destroyed you. (Torah DEU.9.8, JPS 1917) tree →
• Moreover the LORD was very angry with Aaron to have destroyed him; and I prayed for Aaron also the same time. (Torah DEU.9.20, JPS 1917) tree →
• Thus Jehu destroyed Baal out of Israel. (Prophets 2KI.10.28, JPS 1917) tree →
• When the foundations are destroyed, what hath the righteous wrought? (Writings PSA.11.3, JPS 1917) tree →
• He destroyed their vines with hail, and their sycamore-trees with frost. (Writings PSA.78.47, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Past and past participle of destroy: destroyed (add -ed; the y stays because a vowel comes before it). Noun: destruction; adjective: destructive. Damaged means harmed but may be fixed; destroyed means ruined.