raze

verb

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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Although the group’s compound was razed, the locals are still trying to shake the stigma. Will Carless, USA Today, 6 July 2025 The Army Corps of Engineers is more than halfway through its mission of clearing the wildfire debris from the vast majority of homes and schools that were razed in the Eaton and Palisades wildfires. Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2025 The once-vibrant neighborhood was largely razed as a result of urban renewal projects, except for a former church that today is an event venue. Austin Hornbostel, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 The village will also soon allow developers to submit proposals for the former site of Annie’s Pancake House at 4900 Oakton St., which the village bought in November 2024 and subsequently razed to connect the Illinois Science + Technology Park to downtown Skokie. Richard Requena, Chicago Tribune, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for raze

Word History

Etymology

alteration of rase

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of raze was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Raze.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/raze. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

raze

verb
razed; razing
: to destroy completely by knocking down or breaking to pieces : demolish
razed the building

More from Merriam-Webster on raze

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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