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

• destruction
• devastation
• havoc
• extinction
• loss

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

To create Tesla’s 10-million-square-foot production hub outside of Austin, Texas – known as the Gigafactory – contractors were hired for demolition, plumbing, painting and even to install robots that help build the carmaker’s vehicles, according to lien filings. —Audrey Ash, CNN Money, 31 July 2025

But facing a tight deadline — the church had to be moved by July 31, 1967, or prepared for demolition — the rescuers ran out of time. —Chris Foran, jsonline.com, 31 July 2025

For some, the nostalgia soured near the end of the mall’s lifespan and subsequent demolition. —Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2025

Preparations for demolition began shortly after the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes in May. —Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 24 July 2025

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

Rhymes for demolition

• abolition
• acquisition
• admonition
• ammunition
• apparition
• apposition
• coalition
• competition
• composition
• definition
• deglutition
• deposition

Kids Definition

demolition

noun

de·​mo·​li·​tion ˌdem-ə-ˈlish-ən 

ˌdē-mə-

: the act of demolishing

especially : destruction by means of explosives