Definition
To completely destroy or level a building or structure to the ground.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Verb
Synonyms
Demolish, destroy, flatten, level, bulldoze, knock down, dismantle
Antonyms
Build, construct, erect, raise
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | razing, razings |
| Verb | raze, razed, razes, razing |
| Adjective | None |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
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The old abandoned warehouse was razed to the ground to make way for a new apartment complex.
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The city council approved the decision to raze the dilapidated building that had become a safety hazard for the community.
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The powerful hurricane, with its raging winds and torrential rains, left a trail of destruction in its wake, reducing entire neighborhoods to rubble, as homes were razed to the ground and the landscape transformed into a haunting reminder of the force of nature’s fury.
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The army was ordered to raze the enemy stronghold to weaken their defense.
Usage
The word “raze” is often used to describe the act of completely destroying a building or structure by demolishing or leveling it to the ground. It can also be used metaphorically to describe the complete destruction or annihilation of anything, such as a person’s reputation or a company’s finances.
The word “raze” is derived from the Old French word “raser,” which means “to scrape” or “to shave.” The prefix “ra” means “completely,” so “raze” means to completely scrape or shave off, in this case, a building or structure.
The word “raze” is often used in a military or political context to describe the deliberate destruction of a building or structure to weaken the enemy’s defense or to eradicate a perceived threat. In this context, “raze” is often used in conjunction with the word “to the ground” to emphasize the complete destruction of the target.
In a non-military context, “raze” can be used to describe the demolition or leveling of a building or structure for urban renewal or to make room for new development. It can also be used in the context of natural disasters, such as tornadoes or earthquakes, to describe the complete destruction of buildings and structures.
Overall, “raze” is a powerful and evocative word that conveys a sense of complete and utter destruction, whether in a literal or metaphorical sense.