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demolish Definition

de·mol·ish (di mäl′is̸h)

transitive verb

  1. to pull down, tear down, or smash to pieces (a building, etc.)
  2. to destroy; ruin; bring to naught

Etymology: < extended stem of Fr démolir < L demoliri, to pull down, destroy < de-, down + moliri, to build, construct < moles, a mass: see mole

Related Forms:

demolish Synonyms

demolish

v.

destroy, wreck, devastate, obliterate; see destroy 1, raze. See syn. study at destroy.

demolish Usage Examples

Object

  • stronghold: On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
  • myth: Dear How To Win Reader Our special issue of Sports Injury Bulletin demolishes the myths about low back pain.
  • mosque: Soon Ayodhya became the rallying cry for Hindu chauvinists seeking to demolish the mosque and build a temple in its place.
  • building: I wish to demolish a building, do I need Planning Permission?
  • house: The western part runs along what used to be the back garden of these demolished houses.
  • garage: The most common problem occurs when householders want to demolish an old garage with asbestos roofing.

Modifying Another Word

  • ruthlessly: From the picturesque ancient mansion ruthlessly demolished 1800 to give a site to Gillespies paltry Hospital.
  • partly: A small cottage built below this bridge was also partly demolished.
  • partially: In 1802 the White House, in a state of disrepair, was partially demolished.
  • systematically: Each argument that you can propose in favor of budgeting is systematically demolished by this book.
  • afterward: Soon afterward, all the inmates were transferred from the Church Hill workhouse, with the old building was demolished soon afterward.

Followed by an intransitive particle

  • along: Following closure, the signal boxes were demolished along with the coal depot and weigh cabins but the remaining 1850s buildings survived until 1975.

Used with why or when

  • when: The original building survived for 100 years or so, before being demolished when the car park was being enlarged.

Infinitive complement

  • make: The chapel was then demolished to make way for the new church.

Preposition: in

  • 1960s: Most of the buildings were demolished in the late 1960s.
  • 1950s: The first union workhouse on Back Lane was demolished in the 1950s or 1960s.
  • 1970s: The original shop in the New Aberdeen Market closed when the market hall was demolished in the early 1970s.
  • 1980s: The former workhouse main building was demolished in the late 1980s.
  • 1990s: The old exchange was then sold and converted for business use, but finally demolished in the early 1990s.

Preposition: with

  • exception: The old workhouse buildings have now been demolished with the exception of a a small derelict block at the southwest of the site.