Spanish Conversation · Level 185
15 words
Spanish word
destrozar
Pronunciation
IPA/destɾoˈθaɾ/
Meaning
- verbdestroy
Example
El huracán destrozó la ciudad.
The hurricane destroyed the city.
More examples
La traición destrozó su relación.
Betrayal ruined their relationship.
Core concept
A whole reduced to scattered, unusable pieces.
Common phrases
destrozar una relación
ruin a relationship
destrozar el corazón
shatter the heart
Similar words
romper: Creates a cut, crack, or fracture in something, causing it to break apart.
destruir: Completely destroys a thing or building so it ceases to exist or to function.
estropear: Damages an item's condition or performance so it can no longer be used properly.
aplastar: Presses something with great force until it is crushed flat or compacted.
Definition in Spanish
Partir o romper algo en muchos trozos hasta dejarlo inútil o muy dañado.
Word origin
Built from de- plus trozo 'piece', originally 'do in pieces', which broadened to denote complete damage or ruin.
Usage tips
- Frequently appears in result phrases like quedó destrozado meaning 'ended up ruined' and in reflexive form destrozarse it often expresses being emotionally or reputationally crushed.