"Destruir" is a transitive verb in Spanish that means "to destroy" or "to ruin." It refers to the act of causing significant damage to something, rendering it unusable or irreparable. This word is commonly used in both general and military contexts, often referring to the destruction of buildings, objects, or even ideas.
In terms of frequency, "destruir" is a versatile verb that appears frequently in both oral speech and written contexts. It's a standard part of the vocabulary regarding conflict, disaster, and significant actions affecting the environment, society, or material goods.
It is necessary to destroy the old documents.
El bombardeo intentó destruir la base enemiga.
The bombing aimed to destroy the enemy base.
A veces, hay que destruir viejas creencias para avanzar.
While "destruir" does not appear in many fixed idiomatic expressions, it can be part of broader phrases that convey strong emotional or contextual meanings. Below are some expressions that might include the word "destruir":
Destroying hope is the worst thing one can do.
No hay que destruir el trabajo de otros por envidia.
One shouldn't destroy the work of others out of envy.
Destruir un mito puede ser doloroso, pero necesario.
Destroying a myth can be painful, but it is necessary.
La guerra tiene el poder de destruir no solo ciudades, sino también vidas.
The word "destruir" originates from the Latin "destruere," which means "to throw down" or "to bring down." This Latin term is a combination of the prefix "de-" meaning "down from" or "away" and "struere," meaning "to build" or "to construct." Hence, the literal sense of "destruir" conveys the act of taking down what has been built or constructed.
Arruinar (to ruin)
Antonyms:
In summary, "destruir" is a significant verb in the Spanish language, commonly encountered in various contexts where destruction involves physical, emotional, or social elements. Its application is versatile and carries strong connotations, often being a focal point in discussions of conflict and change.