demolition

noun

de·​mo·​li·​tion ˌde-mə-ˈli-shən 

ˌdē-mə-

1

: the act of demolishing: such as

a

: destruction in war by means of explosives

b

: controlled destruction of a building or other structure

The old factory is scheduled for demolition next week.

2

demolitions plural : explosives for destruction in war

demolitionist

ˌde-mə-ˈli-sh(ə-)nəst 

ˌdē-mə-

noun

Synonyms of demolition

• 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

Records now show the city issued a pre-demolition permit in late October, a step toward final demolition of a building. —Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 14 Nov. 2025

That plan outlines renovations, demolitions and new constructions designed to reduce the center's campus footprint and raise efficiency through 2037. —Josh Dinner, Space.com, 14 Nov. 2025

In some cases, cabinetry and countertops can be removed and reinstalled, and alternative access points may reduce the need for the demolition of unit interiors. —Niurys Robaina, Miami Herald, 12 Nov. 2025

The project will also include the demolition and reconstruction of the I-71 bridge over Beargrass Creek and a new median at Zorn Avenue and Mellwood Avenue intersection to improve traffic safety. —Lillian Metzmeier, Louisville Courier Journal, 12 Nov. 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