destroyer

Destroyer refers primarily to a class of warships designed for fast, maneuverable escort and combat operations within naval fleets. Originating in the late 19th century as torpedo boat destroyers, these vessels were built to counter small, fast torpedo boats and to protect larger ships from similar threats. Over time the role expanded to include fleet screening, anti-submarine warfare, anti-air defense, and surface combat.

During World War I and especially World War II, destroyers became central to naval warfare. They fought in convoy escorts, hunted submarines, and supported larger ships and aircraft carriers. Technological advances led to multi-purpose designs with greater range, torpedo armament, gun arrays, depth charges, and, in the cold war era and beyond, surface-to-air missiles and vertical launch systems. In modern navies, destroyers are typically equipped as multi-mission platforms (often designated as DD or DDG in U.S. service), capable of anti-air, anti-submarine, anti-surface, and electronic warfare tasks, while continuing to escort carrier strike groups and logistical fleets.

The term Destroyer also appears outside of naval use. It is the name of a Canadian indie rock band led by Dan Bejar, and of various films and literary works, including a 2018 film starring Nicole Kidman. In common usage, the word may be used metaphorically to describe something perceived as devastating or highly effective.