# `destroy` *target*...

!!! danger

    The `destroy` command permanently removes files both from your home directory and chezmoi's source directory.

    Only run `chezmoi destroy` if you have a separate backup of your home directory and your source directory.

    If you want chezmoi to stop managing the file use [`forget`](forget.md) instead.

    If you want to remove all traces of chezmoi from your system use [`purge`](purge.md) instead.

Remove *target* from the source state, the destination directory, and the state.

## Common flags

### `--force`

Destroy without prompting.

### `-r`, `--recursive`

--8<-- "common-flags/recursive.md:default-false"
