Distroy vs. Destroy: Mastering the Correct Spelling

By Janet White || Updated on March 10, 2024

"Distroy" is an incorrect spelling. The correct spelling is "destroy," which means to damage something so badly that it cannot be used or exists no longer.

Which is correct: Distroy or Destroy

How to spell Destroy?

Distroy is Incorrect

Destroy is Correct

Key Differences

"Destroy" has the word "story" without the "s," which can be a helpful hint.

Think of the pronunciation "de-stroy" to ensure correct spelling.

Mnemonic device: "Do Every Story Truly Right Or You'll Destroy it."

Remember it as "de-" (meaning "down" or "away") + "stroy" as in "strong."

Associate it with words that have similar endings like "employ" or "enjoy" to reinforce the "oy" ending.

Correct usage of Destroy

He plans to ~~distroy~~ the old building.

He plans to destroy the old building.

The storm will ~~distroy~~ the coast.

The storm will destroy the coast.

Fire can ~~distroy~~ a forest in days.

Fire can destroy a forest in days.

Can you ~~distroy~~ these documents?

Can you destroy these documents?

Destroy Definitions

To destroy can mean to ruin the structure, organic existence, or condition of a thing.

Pests can destroy crops rapidly.

Destroy also means to defeat someone completely.

The team was destroyed in the final match.

Destroy means to put an end to the existence of something.

The hurricane destroyed several homes.

In a figurative sense, to destroy can mean to nullify or render ineffective.

His actions destroyed his reputation.

To break apart the structure of, render physically unusable, or cause to cease to exist as a distinguishable physical entity

The fire destroyed the library. The tumor was destroyed with a laser.

To put an end to; eliminate

“In crowded populations, poverty destroys the possibility of cleanliness” (George Bernard Shaw).

To render useless or ruin

Felt that an overemphasis on theory had destroyed the study of literature.

To put to death; kill

Destroy a rabid dog.

To subdue or defeat completely; crush

The rebel forces were destroyed in battle.

To cause emotional trauma to; devastate

The divorce destroyed him.

To be destructive; cause destruction

“Too much money destroys as surely as too little” (John Simon).

(ambitransitive) To damage beyond use or repair.

The earthquake destroyed several apartment complexes.

Hooligans destroy unprovoked.

(transitive) To neutralize, undo a property or condition.

Smoking destroys the natural subtlety of the palate.

(transitive) To put down or euthanize.

Destroying a rabid dog is required by law.

(transitive) To severely disrupt the well-being of (a person); ruin.

Her divorce destroyed her; she had a nervous breakdown and was severely depressed for more than a year.

To defeat soundly.

To remove data.

The memory leak happened because we forgot to destroy the temporary lists.

To sing a song poorly.

To exhaust duly and thus recreate or build up.

This exercise is going to destroy all parts of your shoulders.

To penetrate sexually in an aggressive way.

She got destroyed by her lover on the carpet.

To unbuild; to pull or tear down; to separate virulently into its constituent parts; to break up the structure and organic existence of; to demolish.

But ye shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves.

To ruin; to bring to naught; to put an end to; to annihilate; to consume.

I will utterly pluck up and destroy that nation.

To put an end to the existence, prosperity, or beauty of; to kill.

If him by force he can destroy, or, worse,By some false guile pervert.

Do away with, cause the destruction or undoing of;

The fire destroyed the house

Destroy completely; damage irreparably;

You have ruined my car by pouring sugar in the tank!

The tears ruined her make-up

Defeat soundly;

The home team demolished the visitors

As of animals;

The customs agents destroyed the dog that was found to be rabid

It can refer to killing or causing the death of living organisms.

The medication destroys harmful bacteria.

Destroy Sentences

Termites can destroy wooden structures over time.

The video game character must destroy the enemy base to win.

The fire destroyed the ancient forest.

Wildfires can quickly destroy thousands of acres of land.

Acid rain can destroy the exterior of buildings over time.

The spy had to destroy the documents before being captured.

Cyberattacks can destroy digital infrastructure.

Anger and jealousy can destroy friendships.

Mismanagement can destroy a company's profits.

Excessive heat can destroy the enzymes in food.

The superhero must destroy the meteor to save Earth.

Destroy Idioms & Phrases

Destroy the evidence

To eliminate all traces of wrongdoing or guilt.

The criminal attempted to destroy the evidence by burning the documents.

FAQs

Which vowel is used before Destroy?

The vowel "e" is used.

What is the verb form of Destroy?

The verb form is "destroy."

What is the pronunciation of Destroy?

It's pronounced as /dɪˈstrɔɪ/.

Which conjunction is used with Destroy?

Any conjunction can be used depending on the context, like "and," "but," or "or."

Is Destroy an abstract noun?

No, it's a verb.

Why is it called Destroy?

The term "destroy" comes from the Old French "destruire," which means to dismantle or ruin.

What is the root word of Destroy?

The root word is from the Old French "destruire."

What is the singular form of Destroy?

Destroy is a verb, so it doesn't have a singular or plural form in the traditional sense. The singular form is "destroy."

What is the plural form of Destroy?

Destroy is a verb, so it doesn't have a plural form.

What is the third form of Destroy?

Destroyed.

Which preposition is used with Destroy?

Various prepositions can be used with "destroy," such as "by," "with," or "in."

Is Destroy an adverb?

No, "destroy" is not an adverb.

Is Destroy a countable noun?

Destroy is a verb, not a noun.

Is the Destroy term a metaphor?

It can be used metaphorically, as in "destroy one's hope."

Is the word Destroy is imperative?

It can be used in the imperative mood, as in "Destroy the evidence!"

What is the first form of Destroy?

Destroy.

Which article is used with Destroy?

Either "a" or "the" can be used depending on the context.

Is Destroy a vowel or consonant?

It's a word, not a letter. But it starts with a consonant.

Is Destroy a collective noun?

No, it's a verb.

What part of speech is Destroy?

It's a verb.

What is another term for Destroy?

Demolish, annihilate, ruin.

What is the opposite of Destroy?

Create or build.

Which determiner is used with Destroy?

It depends on the context, but any determiner like "this," "that," "every" can be used.

How is Destroy used in a sentence?

The wildfire could destroy the entire forest.

How many syllables are in Destroy?

There are two syllables.

How do we divide Destroy into syllables?

De-stroy.

What is a stressed syllable in Destroy?

The second syllable, "stroy," is stressed.

What is the second form of Destroy?