Definitions and Examples of destroy, demolish, ruin
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
To cause great damage or harm to something, rendering it unusable or irreparable.
Example
The hurricane destroyed the entire town, leaving nothing but rubble and debris.
To completely destroy a building or structure, often with the use of heavy machinery.
Example
The old stadium was demolished to make way for a new one with better facilities.
The state of being destroyed or severely damaged; to cause something to fall into disrepair or decay.
Example
The abandoned house had fallen into ruin after years of neglect and lack of maintenance.
Key Differences: destroy vs demolish vs ruin
- 1Destroy implies causing great damage or harm to something, making it unusable or irreparable.
- 2Demolish specifically refers to tearing down a building or structure, often with the use of heavy machinery.
- 3Ruin can refer to both the state of being destroyed or severely damaged, as well as the act of causing something to fall into disrepair or decay.
Effective Usage of destroy, demolish, ruin
- 1Vocabulary Building: Learn these antonyms to expand your vocabulary and improve your writing.
- 2Environmental Issues: Use these antonyms to discuss the impact of human activities on the environment.
- 3Construction and Engineering: Incorporate these antonyms in discussions related to building and infrastructure projects.
Remember this!
The antonyms of rebuild are destroy, demolish, and ruin. These words convey the opposite meaning of rebuild, which is to tear down or damage something beyond repair. Use these words to expand your vocabulary, discuss environmental issues, and talk about construction and engineering projects.
