raze

verb

ˈrāz 

razed; razing

transitive verb

1

: to destroy to the ground : demolish

raze an old building

2

a

: to scrape, cut, or shave off

b

archaic : erase

razer noun

Synonyms of raze

• demolish
• destroy
• ruin
• devastate
• shatter
• wreck
• smash

Examples of raze in a Sentence

an entire city block razed by a terrible fire

the developer razed the old school building and built a high-rise condominium complex

Recent Examples on the Web

In 1642, the fifth Dalai Lama first unified Tibet by yoking the strength of Mongol forces, who razed the monasteries of rival sects, killing thousands. — Charlie Campbell, Time, 9 July 2026

Some thought the building should be razed, while others said maybe it could be salvaged — but that safety must be foremost. — Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 8 July 2026

The new depot opened in 1912 and served for many years, although the handsome tiled building was razed decades ago. — Arkansas Online, 2 July 2026

Two years ago, Delva was forced to flee his neighborhood of Solino after gangs stormed in and razed much of it to the ground. — Jason Motlagh, Rolling Stone, 22 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

alteration of rase

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for raze

• baize
• bays
• blase
• blaze
• braes
• braze
• chaise
• claes
• clays
• craze
• dais
• days

Kids Definition

raze

verb

ˈrāz 

razed; razing

: to destroy completely by knocking down or breaking to pieces : demolish

razed the building