demolition

noun

de·​mo·​li·​tion ˌde-mə-ˈli-shən 

ˌdē-mə-

1

: the act of demolishing

especially : destruction in war by means of explosives

2

demolitions plural : explosives for destruction in war

demolitionist

ˌde-mə-ˈli-sh(ə-)nəst 

ˌdē-mə-

noun

Synonyms

• annihilation
• decimation
• demolishment
• desolation
• destruction
• devastation
• extermination
• extinction
• havoc
• loss
• mincemeat
• obliteration
• ruin
• ruination
• wastage
• wreckage

Examples of demolition in a Sentence

The old factory is scheduled for demolition next week.

The demolitions should be complete by the end of the year.

Recent Examples on the Web

David Tendler, deliberate and even-keeled, recommends an aggressive response and files an immediate TRO, or Temporary Restraining Order, forcing Han to stop his demolition. —Suzanne Seggerman, Curbed, 14 Nov. 2024

The other player was Kalif Raymond who achieved the feat on Sunday for the Detroit Lions in their demolition of the Tennessee Titans. —Ben Morse, CNN, 29 Oct. 2024

After rushing for five touchdowns and passing for another in a demolition of Eastern Carolina University, Army’s quarterback Daily has an outside chance of winning the Heisman Trophy. —Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 27 Oct. 2024

The bond would fund the demolition of the 300 building, which has been sitting unused after a February hailstorm damaged the roof and created flood damage past the point of no return. —Keri Heath, Austin American-Statesman, 18 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Latin dēmōlītiōn-, dēmōlītiō, from dēmōlīrī "to throw down, pull down, demolish" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns

First Known Use

circa 1550, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing demolition

• demolition derby

Kids Definition

demolition

noun

de·​mo·​li·​tion ˌdem-ə-ˈlish-ən 

ˌdē-mə-

: the act of demolishing

especially : destruction by means of explosives