Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Demolish Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

💥
Add to dictionary

demolish

[dɪˈmɒlɪʃ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

building destruction

To demolish means to completely destroy a building or structure. This is usually done intentionally and often involves using heavy machinery to tear down the building. Demolishing a building can be necessary for safety reasons, to make way for new construction, or to remove a structure that is no longer needed.

Synonyms

destroy, flatten, level, raze, wreck.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
demolish

Typically used when talking about the deliberate tearing down of buildings or structures, often for construction or redevelopment projects.

  • The old factory was demolished to make way for a new shopping center
  • They needed to demolish the stadium before starting the new development
destroy

A general term for causing something to be so damaged that it no longer exists or can never be used again. Can be used in both physical and abstract contexts.

  • The fire destroyed the entire forest
  • The scandal destroyed his career
raze

A formal term often used in historical or literary contexts indicating the complete destruction of a building or settlement, leaving it flat with the ground.

  • The ancient city was razed to the ground by invaders
  • The government ordered to raze the unsafe structures in the area
wreck

Typically used when something is heavily damaged or ruined, often beyond repair. Can be used in both physical and abstract terms, sometimes carrying a slightly negative connotation.

  • The car was completely wrecked in the accident
  • His poor decisions wrecked the company's future
flatten

Used when something is made flat or level, often by force. Commonly refers to physical objects or geographical areas.

  • The construction crew had to flatten the land before building the road
  • The earthquake flattened many homes in the village
level

Usually refers to making something flat or even. Often used for land or buildings that are deliberately made flat or reduced to the ground.

  • They decided to level the abandoned house to clear the lot
  • The tornado leveled several buildings in its path

Examples of usage

  • They will demolish the old factory to make room for a new shopping center.
  • The city council has approved plans to demolish the abandoned building.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Architecture

  • Demolition is often planned and executed using techniques to ensure safety and minimize environmental impact.
  • Controlled demolition employs explosives to collapse structures safely, a practice popularized in the 20th century.

Environmental Impact

  • After demolishing a structure, recycling materials like metal and concrete helps reduce landfill waste.
  • The practice of 'deconstruction' involves carefully taking buildings apart for reuse rather than demolishing them in one go.

Cultural Significance

  • Demolition has been a symbolic act in politics, representing the end of an era, like the fall of the Berlin Wall.
  • In art and literature, destruction often plays a role in themes of rebirth and renewal, showing how something must end for new growth.

Safety and Regulations

  • Demolition work is heavily regulated to ensure safety for workers and the public, requiring permits in many regions.
  • Workers must wear protective gear, such as helmets and goggles, to guard against flying debris during demolition.

Origin of 'demolish'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'demoliri', which means 'to tear down' or 'to pull down'.
  • In ancient Rome, 'demoliri' reflected practices of tearing down ineffectual or unsafe buildings.

The word 'demolish' originated from the Latin word 'demoliri', which means 'to pull down'. It entered the English language in the late 16th century. The concept of demolition has been present throughout history, as civilizations have demolished structures for various reasons, such as war, urban development, or renovation.

See also: demolition.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,755, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.