destructor
C1Formal / Technical
Definition
Meaning
A person or thing that destroys; specifically, a furnace for burning waste.
In computing, a special method in object-oriented programming that destroys objects and releases allocated memory. Also, a device, object, or character in fiction whose primary function is to cause destruction.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
In UK English, the 'furnace for burning rubbish' sense is historical, having been largely replaced by 'incinerator'. The computing sense is standard in technical contexts globally.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK: Historically used for a refuse incinerator, now dated. US: Rarely, if ever, used for an incinerator. In both varieties, primarily a technical computing term.
Connotations
In non-technical use, sounds formal, literary, or archaic. In computing, neutral and precise.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general language. Found almost exclusively in programming documentation and literature.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Object] + destructor + [function]The + destructor + [verb][Program] + calls + the + destructorVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None specific to this word]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in computer science literature.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in object-oriented programming (e.g., C++, Python).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- [Destructor is not a verb.]
American English
- [Destructor is not a verb.]
adverb
British English
- [Destructor is not an adverb.]
American English
- [Destructor is not an adverb.]
adjective
British English
- [Destructor is not typically used as an adjective.]
American English
- [Destructor is not typically used as an adjective.]
Examples
By CEFR Level
- [This word is above A2 level.]
- [This word is above B1 level.]
- The old destructor at the edge of town was replaced by a recycling centre.
- The programme automatically calls the destructor when the object is no longer needed.
- In C++, a destructor is denoted by a tilde preceding the class name.
- The novel's villain was a mindless destructor of worlds, a force of pure chaos.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CONSTRUCTOR building an object in computer memory; its opposite, the DESTRUCTOR, tears it down.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLEANUP IS DESTRUCTION (Programming: cleaning up memory is metaphorically destroying the object).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with "разрушитель" (destroyer as a person/weapon) in non-technical contexts. In computing, it's a specific technical term, not a general 'destroyer'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'destructor' in everyday speech instead of 'incinerator' or 'destroyer'. Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to destructor' is incorrect).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'destructor' most commonly used today?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Destroyer' is a general agent noun. 'Destructor' is highly specific: historically a type of furnace, and currently a technical computing term for a method that destroys objects in memory.
It is not recommended. For a person/thing that destroys, use 'destroyer'. For a waste-burning facility, use 'incinerator'. Use 'destructor' only in programming contexts.
The opposite is a 'constructor', which is the method that creates and initialises an object.
The stress is on the second syllable: di-STRUC-tor. The main vowel sound in the stressed syllable is /ʌ/ as in 'cup' in UK English and /ə/ as in 'about' in US English.