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

During one visit, the business was seen recycling construction, demolition and car debris, according to the lawsuit. —Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Sep. 2025

Quality testing lab to come The project opened with partial demolition of structures in 2022. —Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 26 Sep. 2025

Seton House closed again in 2009, narrowly dodged demolition in 2011 when neighbors and Historic Denver organized to save it, and reopened as a homeless shelter in 2012. —Justin Wingerter, Denver Post, 25 Sep. 2025

City records point toward demolition City records, however, show that the company filed for and, on Tuesday, received a permit to disconnect the city water line, often a precursor to demolition. —Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 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