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

Accurate Energetic Systems, established in 1980, specializes in the creation of high-grade explosives for demolition, according to its website. —Kirsten Fiscus, Nashville Tennessean, 24 Oct. 2025

Citing a White House official, The New York Times reported the demolition of the East Wing, which once housed the First Lady’s offices, began on Monday. —James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025

As demolition wraps up, here's a look at the White House before work began and during. —Greta Cross, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025

The Jacqueline Kennedy Garden -- established by first lady Edith Roosevelt in 1903 adjacent to the East Wing -- was also leveled during the demolition, according to satellite images. —Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 24 Oct. 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