The term DESTROYS BY DEGREES can be summarized by the crossword solution ERODES, which is a 6-letter word. Erosion is the process of gradual destruction or disintegration of something, usually caused by natural forces such as wind, water, or ice. It is a slow process that can take years or even centuries to occur, and it can affect land, buildings, and other structures. Erosion can also refer to the gradual wearing away of soil, rocks, and other materials due to the action of wind, water, or ice.