To cause (something) to cease to exist; to ruin completely. The hurricane destroyed the small coastal town.
To defeat someone utterly in a competition or contest. The home team destroyed their rivals in the championship game.
To neutralize or make ineffective. The new evidence destroyed the credibility of the witness.
To put (an animal) to death, especially to prevent further suffering or as a safety measure. After the serious injury, the vet decided to destroy the horse humanely.