Something destructible can be broken, damaged, or destroyed. A sandcastle is destructible because waves, wind, or even a careless foot can knock it down. A paper airplane is destructible. So is a glass vase, a cardboard box, or a wooden fence.

Most things in the world are destructible, which is why we have to take care of what matters to us. Your bicycle is destructible, so you lock it up and keep it out of the rain. Your friendship with someone is destructible too, which is why you try to be kind and honest rather than careless with their feelings.

The opposite of destructible is indestructible, meaning something that cannot be destroyed. Very few things are truly indestructible, though some materials like diamonds are incredibly hard to damage. When toy companies advertise “indestructible” toys, they usually just mean very durable or tough to break, not literally impossible to destroy.

Understanding that something is destructible helps you appreciate it more and treat it with appropriate care. The fact that your grandfather's watch or your favorite book is destructible is exactly why you handle it gently and keep it somewhere safe.