destroyer

noun4

1. •
   That which destroys something.

   • But it is as a destroyer of grasshoppers that the dickcissel excels. — 1901
2. •
   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.
3. •
   A starship of comparable role.
4. •
   (historical) A small, fast warship with light gun armament, smaller than a cruiser, but bigger than a frigate.