destroyer

noun

1. That which destroys something.

   “But it is as a destroyer of grasshoppers that the dickcissel excels.”

   “These temple destroyers, devotees of ravaging commercialism, seem to have a perfect contempt for Nature, and, instead of lifting their eyes to the God of the mountains, lift them to the Almighty Dollar.”

2. (historical)A small, fast warship with light gun armament, smaller than a cruiser, but bigger than a frigate.
3. A larger warship with guided missile armament, usually intended for air defence or anti-ship roles. Often, but not always, larger than a frigate and smaller than a cruiser.
4. (broadly)A larger warship with guided missile armament, usually intended for air defence or anti-ship roles. Often, but not always, larger than a frigate and smaller than a cruiser.