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

The executives expect demolition to begin in 2026, with the project completed in five to seven years. —David Moin, Footwear News, 30 June 2025

Landmarks Illinois called attention to Oak Cottage two years ago as one of nine culturally and architecturally significant sites across the state that faces demolition and is worth preserving. —Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025

Rescuing a historic church from potential demolition to remain a community center, where each week hundreds of people are fed, educated and find recovery. —Anastasia G McAteer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 June 2025

According to the county, this is not the first time the developer has sought an extension or an outright removal of the demolition requirement. —Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 12 June 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