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

Miami may seek demolition of an art museum’s jumbo digital billboard after city commissioners voted Thursday to repeal the law that allowed its construction. —Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 24 May 2024

Then after the race, the rest of the demolition and rebuilding will start. —John Cherwa, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 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

1549, 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