to destroy completely; to annihilate or overthrow (e.g., a state, civilization, or enemy). Often carries a strong or literary nuance.
戦争で多くの都市が滅ぼされた。
Many cities were destroyed in the war.
疫病が文明を滅ぼすこともある。
A plague can at times destroy a civilization.
暴君は人民の反乱によってその王朝を滅ぼされた。
The tyrant's dynasty was overthrown by a popular uprising.