The verb destroy has 4 senses (first 3 from tagged texts)
1. (48) destroy, destruct -- (do away with, cause the destruction or undoing of; "The fire destroyed the house")
2. (28) destroy, ruin -- (destroy completely; damage irreparably; "You have ruined my car by pouring sugar in the tank!"; "The tears ruined her make-up")
3. (2) demolish, destroy -- (defeat soundly; "The home team demolished the visitors")
4. destroy -- (put to death; "The customs agents destroyed the dog that was found to be rabid")