destroyer

Etymology

destroy + -er * (warship): Ellipsis of torpedo-boat destroyer.. The name of the naval vessel is shortened from torpedo boat destroyer, the longer term appearing at the end of the 19th century and the shorter form early in the 20th.

noun

1. That which destroys something.
2. (military, historical) A small, fast warship with light gun armament, smaller than a cruiser, but bigger than a frigate.
3. (military) 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.