Why did destroyer become the dominant name for this type of warship?
Short answerTorpedo-boat destroyers evolved into fleet escorts, while frigates increasingly filled anti-submarine roles and destroyers became larger air-defence ships.
NotesThe term developed from torpedo-boat destroyer to describe a fleet escort that retained its own torpedo armament. After frigates returned as anti-submarine escorts, destroyers became the larger anti-aircraft type while general-purpose duties spread across both labels. A quiet, maneuverable hull suits submarine hunting, whereas air defence benefits from a stable, fast platform able to carry a high radar mast. The comparison shows why a navy's political ship label may conceal the design priorities built into the hull.