destroyer

[dih-stroi-er]

noun

1. a person or thing that destroys.

2. a fast, relatively small, warship armed mainly with 5-inch (13-centimeter) guns.

destroyer

/ dɪˈstrɔɪə /

noun

1. a small fast lightly armoured but heavily armed warship

2. a person or thing that destroys

Other Word Forms

• self-destroyer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of destroyer¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English destroiere (compare Old French destruiere ); destroy, -er ¹

Example Sentences

As if to underscore the point, the Pentagon ordered 4,000 Marines and sailors to the waters of Latin America and the Caribbean, alongside Navy destroyers, reconnaissance aircraft and a nuclear-powered missile cruiser.

From Los Angeles Times

In the book, Sturgeon said she had endured a surge of "vile" abuse after Rowling posted a selfie in a T-shirt with the slogan: "Nicola Sturgeon, destroyer of women's rights".

From BBC

The former first minister also criticises her highest profile opponent on the gender issue, Harry Potter author JK Rowling, for posting a selfie in a T-shirt bearing the slogan "Nicola Sturgeon, destroyer of women's rights".

From BBC

The captain, 20 officers and 357 other crew were rescued by two Royal Navy destroyers and survived.

From BBC

Gilchrist scored 17 Test hundreds as he switched between a destroyer of tiring attacks to a man overqualified for a rebuild from number seven when the great Australian top order did fail.

From BBC

Related Words

• battleship 
• ship 
• warship