to be ruined or destroyed; to perish; to become extinct; to go under (of a people, nation, species, etc.)
古代文明の多くは戦争や飢饉で滅んだ。
Many ancient civilizations perished due to war and famine.
乱獲のせいであの魚の種が滅びつつある。
Because of overfishing, that fish species is becoming extinct.
王国は内部の対立でついに滅んだ。
The kingdom ultimately fell because of internal strife.