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Verbs of Helping and Hurting - Verbs for Destruction and Damage

Here you will learn some English verbs referring to destruction and damage such as "wreck", "ruin", and "spoil".

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Categorized English Verbs of Helping and Hurting

to cause damage to something in a way that it no longer exists, works, etc.

Ex: Right now , the construction work is destroying the natural habitat of some endangered species .
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to completely destroy or to knock down a building or another structure

Ex: The construction crew demolish the existing walls before rebuilding .
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to wreck
[Verb]

to damage or destroy something severely

Ex: The lack of proper wrecked the stability of the structure .
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to mangle
[Verb]

to severely damage or destroy something

Ex: The lack of proper mangled the fabric in the manufacturing process .
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to ruin
[Verb]

to cause severe damage or harm to something, usually in a way that is beyond repair

Ex: The ongoing neglect of maintenance ruining the structural integrity of the building .
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to spoil
[Verb]

to harm, damage, or ruin something

Ex: A single wrong spoiled the entire batch of cookies .
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to completely destroy something

Ex: obliterated the graffiti in the neighborhood last week .
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to end or destroy something entirely

Ex: The company implemented a new strategy extinguish inefficiencies and improve overall productivity .
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(of a construction) to fall down suddenly, particularly due to being damaged or weak

Ex: The ancient collapsed under the weight of the snow .
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to raze
[Verb]

to completely destroy a building, city, etc.

Ex: The old factory razed last month .
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to destroy completely

Ex: The ancient city exterminated by a volcanic eruption , leaving it buried for centuries .
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to completely destroy or remove something

Ex: The team of experts worked extirpate the cybersecurity threat and secure the network .
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to zap
[Verb]

to attack or destroy, especially with a sudden force or energy

Ex: The device zap the virus , neutralizing it in seconds .
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to destroy a structure such as building or wall

Ex: The authorities plan knock down the condemned building to prevent it from collapsing .
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to destroy something completely

Ex: The city decided to tear the unsafe structure down for safety reasons.
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to demolish a structure or building, typically by pulling it apart or taking it down piece by piece

Ex: The stadium, once a symbol of pride, was now so old they had no choice but to pull it down.
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to burn something completely until it turns into ashes

Ex: To prevent the spread of disease , contaminated materials incinerated.
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to destroy someone or something completely

Ex: The powerful annihilated the entire building .
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to make something catch fire and burn

Ex: A chemical reaction was triggered combust the fuel in the engine .
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to destroy completely, especially by fire

Ex: The forest fire burned the dry grass out.
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to damage
[Verb]

to physically harm something

Ex: The construction work was paused to avoid damaging the underground pipes .
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to wear
[Verb]

to cause damage due to repeated friction or usage

Ex: The abrasive scrubbing worn the enamel off the bathtub .
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to make something change in terms of color, shape, etc. due to the effect or influence of the sun, wind, or rain

Ex: The salty sea weathered the steel cables of the suspension bridge , requiring regular maintenance .
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to impair
[Verb]

to cause something to become weak or less effective

Ex: The new law is intended to prevent substances that impair driving from being used.
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to step heavily or crush underfoot with force

Ex: During the protest , the crowd threatened trample the banners and signs scattered on the ground .
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to ravage
[Verb]

to cause severe destruction or damage

Ex: Economic crises ravage a country 's financial stability and well-being .
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to crush
[Verb]

to become damaged, broken, or deformed under pressure

Ex: The delicate cookies crush if not handled with care .
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to trash
[Verb]

to damage or destroy something, usually deliberately

Ex: The party guests trashed the rented venue , leaving a mess behind .
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to crash
[Verb]

to break with a sudden and loud impact, often causing damage

Ex: The falling crashed to the floor , spilling its contents everywhere .
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to come into sudden and forceful contact with another object or person

Ex: The strong winds caused two trees to lean and collide during the storm .
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