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Razed: meaning, definitions and examples

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razed

 

[ reɪzd ]

Verb
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

Translations of the word "razed" in other languages:

🇵🇹 destruído

🇮🇳 नष्ट किया हुआ

🇩🇪 abgerissen

🇮🇩 dihancurkan

🇺🇦 зруйнований

🇵🇱 zburzony

🇯🇵 破壊された

🇫🇷 rasé

🇪🇸 arrasado

🇹🇷 yıkılmış

🇰🇷 파괴된

🇸🇦 مدمر

🇨🇿 zbořený

🇸🇰 zbúraný

🇨🇳 夷为平地的

🇸🇮 porušen

🇮🇸 rifið

🇰🇿 жойылған

🇬🇪 გადატეხილი

🇦🇿 dağıdılmış

🇲🇽 arrasado

Etymology

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.