détruire

Senses

1. 1.

   to destroy

   to demolish, ruin, or cause to cease to exist

2. 2.

   to ruin

   to spoil or damage beyond repair

3. 3.

   to wreck

   to cause severe harm or failure to something

Examples

• "L'incendie a détruit la maison."

  The fire destroyed the house.

• "Cette rumeur pourrait détruire sa réputation."

  This rumor could ruin his reputation.

• "Il faut détruire ces documents confidentiels."

  We need to destroy these confidential documents.

Usage

Détruire is a regular -uire verb and is formal in register. Common collocations: détruire un bâtiment (tear down a building), détruire des preuves (destroy evidence). Often paired with reflexive use: se détruire (to destroy oneself, self-destruct).