摧 (cuī) - To destroy & to break

摧Tone 1

cuī ｜ 14 strokes ｜ radical:

橙丁

摧 · cuī

To destroy;

to break;

to devastate;

to ruin;

to smash;

to demolish.

To destroyto breakto devastate

Usage highlights

Destroy completelyBreak and smashDestroy and pull outDestroy the strong and help the weakDestroy the rotten and pull out the decayingHeartbroken

Synonyms

  • 毁— to destroy; to damage
  • 坏— to break; to ruin
  • 破— to break; to destroy

Antonyms

  • 建— to build; to construct
  • 立— to establish; to set up
  • 护— to protect; to guard

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The storm destroyed the crops (摧毁庄稼).
  • His spirit was completely broken (精神被摧毁).
  • The earthquake devastated the city (摧毁了城市).
  • The failure crushed his confidence (摧毁了他的信心).

Collocations

  • Destroy completely(摧毁)
  • Break and smash(摧残)
  • Destroy and pull out(摧折)
  • Destroy the strong and help the weak(摧强扶弱)
  • Destroy the rotten and pull out the decaying(摧枯拉朽)
  • Heartbroken(摧心)

Idioms

  • As easy as crushing dry weeds and smashing rotten wood(摧枯拉朽)
  • Heartbroken and lungs torn(摧心剖肝)
  • Destroy the strong and help the weak(摧坚陷阵)
  • Flowers destroyed and jade smashed(摧花斫玉)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Often used in military contexts to describe overwhelming victory or destruction of enemy forces.
  • Appears in classical literature to depict emotional devastation or physical ruin.
  • Carries a strong connotation of violent, forceful breaking or demolition.

FAQ