raze

verb

\ ˈrāz

razed; razing

Definition of raze

transitive verb

1a archaic : erase

b : to scrape, cut, or shave off

2 : to destroy to the ground : demolish raze an old building

Other Words from raze Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about raze

Keep scrolling for more

Examples of raze in a Sentence

an entire city block razed by a terrible fire the developer razed the old school building and built a high-rise condominium complex

Recent Examples on the Web

The reconstruction project for Hayward Field also has been controversial, with some decrying plans to raze the east grandstand, the oldest part of the 99-year-old stadium. — Ken Goe, OregonLive.com, "Eugene ready and willing as USA Track & Field reopens bidding for 2020 Olympic Trials," 1 May 2018 If it were designated, the preservation commission would have to weigh in on any plans to raze or alter the building. — Mary Louise Schumacher, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "State Office Building murals by pioneering artist in jeopardy," 10 Apr. 2018 Caal Maquin’s family is among the poorest in a village of very poor indigenous Guatemalans, where subsistence farming is getting harder as forests are razed for palm oil. — Dara Lind, Vox, "The death of 7-year-old Jakelin Caal Maquin in Border Patrol custody isn’t an isolated outrage," 18 Dec. 2018 Related stories from Sacramento Bee See where in Sacramento ‘Lady Bird’ will star again Latino artwork at NBA arena 'almost a middle finger' to Trump, county supervisor says This historic town center was nearly razed. — Ed Fletcher, sacbee, "Some quirky new characters could be coming to K Street in Sacramento | The Sacramento Bee," 26 Mar. 2018 Vikings razed most of the forests a thousand years ago—so all wood has to be imported. — Kathleen Renda, House Beautiful, "This Icelandic Apartment Is Filled With Small-Space Inspiration," 16 Aug. 2018 Image When an explosion nearly razed Iran’s long-range missile research facility in 2011 — and killed the military scientist who ran it — many Western intelligence analysts viewed it as devastating to Tehran’s technological ambitions. — New York Times, "Deep in the Desert, Iran Quietly Advances Missile Technology," 23 May 2018 Workers are busy laying the foundation of a new apartment tower to replace hers, which was badly damaged and later razed. — Fox News, "Damaged buildings, graft haunt Mexico City year after quake," 18 Sep. 2018 They could be sold for private use, or they could be razed for more parking off the square, Falkowski added. — Michelle L. Quinn, Post-Tribune, "Work begins to clear land for new Crown Point City Hall," 20 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'raze.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.