'销毁' (xiāo huǐ) is a formal, transitive verb meaning 'to destroy'—especially in an official, controlled, or systematic way, often to eliminate evidence, prevent misuse, or ensure safety. The first character 销 (xiāo) originally meant 'to melt down (metal)' and conveys the idea of removal or annihilation; the second character 毁 (huǐ) means 'to damage', 'to ruin', or 'to demolish'. Together, they emphasize deliberate, irreversible destruction, commonly by burning, shredding, melting, or chemical decomposition.

This word appears frequently in legal, medical, governmental, and corporate contexts—for example, when destroying expired medicines, classified documents, counterfeit goods, or contaminated food. It carries a tone of authority and procedure, not casual or accidental destruction. Unlike generic terms like 破坏 (pòhuài, 'to damage') or 毁掉 (huǐ diào, 'to ruin'), 销毁 implies intentionality, oversight, and compliance with regulations.