Definition
Demolish means to destroy or tear down something completely.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Verb
Synonyms
Destroy, wreck, raze, level, flatten, pulverize, dismantle
Antonyms
Build, construct, create, erect, establish, preserve, protect
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | demolitions, demolishing, demolishings, demolition |
| Verb | demolish, demolishes, demolished, demolishing |
| Adjective | None |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
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The old building was demolished to make way for a new shopping mall.
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The tornado demolished entire neighborhoods, leaving nothing but debris in its wake.
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The army demolished enemy bunkers using heavy artillery and explosives.
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The company decided to demolish its outdated website and start from scratch.
Usage
The word “demolish” comes from the French word “démolir,” which means “to destroy.” The prefix “de-” in “demolish” means “to remove or reverse,” indicating that this word refers to a process of removing or reversing something completely. The suffix “-ish” is commonly used in English to form verbs that indicate an action that is somewhat similar to the noun. Therefore, “demolish” is a verb that describes the action of destroying something completely.
There are several variations of the word “demolish” that are formed using prefixes, suffixes, or roots. For example, the prefix “re-” is commonly used to indicate repetition or return to a previous state. Therefore, the word “redemolish” may be used to describe a situation in which something that was previously destroyed is destroyed again. Another variation is the word “demolition,” which is a noun that describes the process or act of demolishing something.
The word “demolish” is often used to describe physical destruction, such as tearing down buildings, bridges, or other structures. However, it can also be used in a more metaphorical sense to describe the destruction or ruin of other things, such as relationships, reputations, or plans. In these cases, the word “demolish” suggests a complete and irreversible destruction.
It is important to use the word “demolish” accurately and appropriately. In some cases, the word may be used hyperbolically or metaphorically to describe a situation in which something is damaged or ruined to a significant degree, but it is important to avoid using it in ways that trivialize or exaggerate the situation. Additionally, the word should not be used to describe situations in which only a small amount of damage or destruction has occurred, as this does not accurately reflect the meaning of the word.
Overall, the word “demolish” is a powerful verb that is used to describe the complete destruction of something. It can be used in a physical or metaphorical sense, but it is important to use it accurately and avoid using it in ways that trivialize or exaggerate harm or destruction.