Demolish: meaning, definitions and examples

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

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

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

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

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

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