demolition

[ dem-uh-lish-uhn, dee-muh- ]

noun

1. an act or instance of demolishing.
2. the state of being demolished; destruction.
3. destruction or demolishment by explosives.
4. demolitions, explosives, especially as used in war.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or working with explosives:

   A demolition squad attempted to blow up the bridge before the enemy captured it.

2. of or relating to tearing down or demolishing:

   Demolition work had begun on the old building.

demolition

/ ˌdiː-; ˌdɛməˈlɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of demolishing or state of being demolished
2. military
   1. destruction by explosives
   2. ( as modifier )

      a demolition charge

Derived Forms

• ˌdemoˈlitionist, nounadjective

Other Words From

• demo·lition·ist noun
• nondem·o·lition noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of demolition¹

1540–50; < Latin dēmōlītiōn- (stem of dēmōlītiō ), equivalent to dēmōlīt ( us ) (past participle of dēmōlīrī; demolish ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

These advocates called for imposing further restrictions on demolition, which the Planning Department said could significantly reduce new housing construction, including units that are mandated to be affordable to low-income households.

From Los Angeles Times

With plenty of time to work with the squad, he oversaw an encouraging campaign including a 40-6 demolition of Australia in Lyon.

From BBC

Chief ministers of several states have linked such demolitions with their government's tough stance on crime.

From BBC

Some tenant advocates worry such demolition and displacement could become more common in Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times

The acts of opposition to slow the deportation of undocumented immigrants and the demolition of our government will be important models for all of us who reject this authoritarian regime.

From Salon

Related Words

• annihilation
• explosion