demolish

[dih-mol-ish]

verb (used with object)

1. to destroy or ruin (a building or other structure), especially on purpose; tear down; raze.

   Synonyms: bulldoze, wreck, level

2. to put an end to; destroy; explode.

   The results of his research demolished many theories.

3. to lay waste to; ruin utterly.

   The fire demolished the area.

4. Informal.,  to devour completely.

   We simply demolished that turkey.

demolish

/ dɪˈmɒlɪʃ /

verb

1. to tear down or break up (buildings, etc)

2. to destroy; put an end to (an argument, etc)

3. facetious,  to eat up

   she demolished the whole cake!

Other Word Forms

• demolisher noun
• demolishment noun
• half-demolished adjective
• undemolished adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of demolish¹

1560–70; < Middle French démoliss-, stem of démolir < Latin dēmōlīrī to destroy, equivalent to dē- de- + mōlīrī to set in motion, struggle ( mōl ( ēs ) mass, bulk + -īrī infinitive suffix)

Word History and Origins

Origin of demolish¹

C16: from French démolir, from Latin dēmōlīrī to throw down, destroy, from _de- + mōlīrī to strive, toil, construct, from mōles mass, bulk

Synonym Study

See destroy.

Example Sentences

In a 24-hour period between 1 and 2 September, dozens of buildings which had stood in an area between the vehicles have been demolished.

From BBC

Instead, the city is laying plans for a $28-million project to demolish it and build a smaller new pool and a splash pad in its place while reconstructing the two-story pool house next door.

From Los Angeles Times

Home Depot plans to demolish the former Macy’s department store in Eagle Rock Plaza to make space for its new location, The Eastsider reported.

From Los Angeles Times

Even with John Mitchell making 13 changes to his starting XV, World Cup favourites England demolished amateur side Samoa in Northampton.

From BBC

Time and time again, speeding cars have plowed through Plaza Park’s grassy expanses and vibrant rosebushes, demolishing wood benches and slamming into the beloved 88-year-old fountain.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• annihilate 
• bulldoze 
• crush 
• decimate 
• devastate 
• dilapidate 
• dismantle 
• flatten 
• obliterate 
• overturn 
• pulverize 
• raze 
• ruin 
• smash 
• trash 
• wreck