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!

Derived Forms

• deˈmolisher, noun
• deˈmolishment, noun

Other Words From

• de·molish·er noun
• de·molish·ment noun
• half-de·molished adjective
• unde·molished 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 order to build a larger apartment complex, her landlord plans to demolish the six-unit bungalow court in South Los Angeles that the family has called home for decades.

From Los Angeles Times

They want officials to mandate developers replace each rent-stabilized unit they demolish with not one but two income-restricted affordable units.

From Los Angeles Times

It would make less financial sense for developers to replace existing rent-stabilized housing, and some builders would instead choose to build in single-family areas where they’d demolish houses an occupant has chosen to sell.

From Los Angeles Times

India's Supreme Court has said that authorities cannot demolish homes merely because a person has been accused of a crime and has laid down strict guidelines for any such action.

From BBC

"It has now been vacant for a third of its built life. Careful consideration has been given to the history.... and the University of Salford, intends to demolish the building."

From BBC

Related Words

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