Destroys (5)
I believe the answer is:
ruins
<span class="explanation-format__ClueExplanation">'<span class="explanation-format__original">destroys</span>' is the definition.<br/ ><span class="explanation-format__explanation">('ruin' can be a synonym of 'destroy')</span><br/ ><br/ >This is the entire clue.<br/ ></span>
(Other definitions for ruins that I've seen before include "Collapsed, disintegrated buildings" , "Broken-down remnants" , "Derelict buildings" , "Remains to be seen" , "Rubble" .)