摧毁

• Pinyin: cuī huǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 摧 = 扌(hand) + 崔 (phonetic, to break); 毁 = 臼 + 工 + 殳 (to destroy)

Meaning

To destroy; to demolish; to annihilate. A verb describing complete destruction of something physical or abstract.

Used for devastating destruction of buildings, armies, relationships, confidence, or dreams. Stronger and more dramatic than 破坏 (damage). Often implies violent or thorough obliteration with lasting consequences.

Examples

1. 地震摧毁了整个村庄，救援人员正在全力搜救幸存者。 The earthquake destroyed the entire village, and rescue workers are searching for survivors with all their might.
2. 这场丑闻彻底摧毁了他苦心经营多年的政治生涯。 This scandal completely destroyed the political career he had painstakingly built over many years.
3. 敌军的防线在我方猛烈炮火下很快被摧毁。 The enemy's defensive line was quickly destroyed under our fierce artillery fire.

Usage Guide

Context: disaster, war, dramatic events

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 战争摧毁了无数家庭。(The war destroyed countless families.)
• 一次失败不会摧毁你的人生。(One failure won't destroy your life.)

Don't Say

• 我轻轻摧毁了一张纸 (摧毁 implies massive destruction — for tearing paper, use 撕 or 弄破)

Origin & History

Compound of 摧 (to break, crush) + 毁 (to destroy, ruin). Both characters emphasize destruction, creating a powerful compound.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal