kuharibu
koo-hah-REE-boo
How to say it
Swahilikuharibukoo-hah-REE-boo
Englishto destroy, damage, ruin; to spoil
Frenchdétruire, endommager, abîmer ; gâcher
Meaning
To cause harm to something so that it is broken, useless or worse than before, such as crops, a road, a name or a plan.
Good to know
Takes its object directly: mvua iliharibu barabara, the rain damaged the road. Kuharibika is to go bad or break down, uharibifu is destruction, and kuharibu jina is to ruin a reputation.
Examples
- Wadudu wanaweza kuharibu mazao yote shambani.Insects can destroy all the crops in the field.
- Usiruhusu hasira kuharibu urafiki wenu.Do not let anger ruin your friendship.
- Mafuriko yalianza kuharibu nyumba za pwani.The floods began to damage the houses on the coast.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.