destroyer

noun

de·​stroy·​er di-ˈstrȯi(-ə)r 

dē-

1

: one that destroys

2

: a small fast warship used especially to support larger vessels and usually armed with guns, depth charges, torpedoes, and often guided missiles

Examples of destroyer in a Sentence

The pamphlet describes alcohol as a destroyer of families.

Recent Examples on the Web

Playing nice with the world’s foremost environmental destroyers in the name of climate change is a bit like playing nice with the largest state sponsor of terrorism in the name of peace — which the Biden administration is also doing with its Iran policy. —The Editors, National Review, 15 May 2024

Within that timeframe, the destroyer apparently voyaged over the Atlantic Ocean several times, stopping in New York, Key West, Philadelphia and Annapolis in the U.S., as well as Panama and the United Kingdom. —Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing destroyer

• destroyer escort
• self-destroyer
• tank destroyer

Kids Definition

destroyer

noun

de·​stroy·​er di-ˈstrȯi(-ə)r 

1

: one that destroys

2

: a small fast warship armed with guns, depth charges, torpedoes, and often guided missiles