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Razed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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razed

[reษชzd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

destroy completely

To raze something means to completely destroy or demolish it, often referring to structures such as buildings. The act of razing entails tearing down to the ground, leaving no trace. This term is commonly used in the context of urban development or warfare.

Synonyms

demolish, destroy, level, obliterate, tear down.

Examples of usage

  • The old factory was razed to make way for a new shopping center.
  • They razed the abandoned house after years of neglect.
  • The city council decided to raze several houses to build a park.
  • During the war, many villages were razed to the ground.
  • The site was razed to prevent any further contamination.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Architecture

  • Demolition is a significant aspect of urban planning, where buildings are razed to make way for new developments.
  • Razed structures can recover valuable materials for reuse, promoting sustainability in construction.
  • Controlled demolitions use explosives to raze buildings safely and efficiently, a technique developed in the 20th century.

History

  • Cities have often been razed in wars to weaken enemies or as acts of revenge, shaping landscapes and histories.
  • The famous 'Razing of Carthage' in 146 BC involved complete destruction, which changed the course of history in the Mediterranean.
  • In the aftermath of natural disasters, communities sometimes raze damaged structures to rebuild stronger and safer.

Literature

  • In literature, razed places can symbolize loss and the aftermath of conflict, highlighting themes of destruction.
  • Many dystopian novels feature societies that razed their pasts in the pursuit of a seemingly better future.
  • Poets often use the imagery of razed landscapes to evoke sadness or the harsh reality of war and ruin.

Psychology

  • The act of razing can be metaphorically related to psychological concepts of 'deconstruction,' breaking down old beliefs to build anew.
  • For some, seeing a place metaphorically 'razed' can trigger memories of loss or significant life changes.
  • Resilience can emerge from loss; sometimes, a razed structure leads to opportunities for new initiatives and growth.

Origin of 'razed'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'razed' comes from the Old French word 'raser,' meaning 'to scrape' or 'to shave off.'
  • Originally, the term referred to shaving hair, but it evolved to mean leveling structures.
  • The past tense of 'raise' can be confused with 'razed' in pronunciation but has an opposite meaning.

The word 'razed' originates from the late Middle English term 'rasen', meaning to scrape or smooth. It is derived from the Old French 'raser', which means to shave or scrape off. The transformation of the term reflects a shift from a literal meaning of removing surface material to a more metaphorical usage of complete destruction. The usage became more prevalent in the context of urban development and warfare, where structures are cleared away to make space for new constructions or to erase the remnants of past devastation. Over the centuries, 'razed' has evolved into a term that succinctly captures the action of total demolition and eradication.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,828, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.