n. [ Cf. OF. destruior. ] 1. One who destroys, ruins, kills, or desolates. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. (Nav.) a small fast warship used primarily as an escort to larger vessels and typically armed with a combination of 5-inch guns, torpedos, depth charges, and missiles; formerly identical to the Torpedo-boat destroyer. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]