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