demolition

[dem-uh-lish-uhn, dee-muh-]

noun

1. an act or instance of demolishing.

2. the state of being demolished; destruction.

3. destruction or demolishment by explosives.

4. demolitions, explosives, especially as used in war.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or working with explosives.

   A demolition squad attempted to blow up the bridge before the enemy captured it.

2. of or relating to tearing down or demolishing.

   Demolition work had begun on the old building.

demolition

/ ˌdiː-, ˌdɛməˈlɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of demolishing or state of being demolished

2. military

   1. destruction by explosives

   2. ( as modifier )

      a demolition charge

Other Word Forms

• demolitionist noun
• nondemolition noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of demolition¹

1540–50; < Latin dēmōlītiōn- (stem of dēmōlītiō ), equivalent to dēmōlīt ( us ) (past participle of dēmōlīrī; demolish ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

Satellite imagery shows several neighbourhoods in parts of the city have been levelled by Israeli strikes and demolitions over the past month.

From BBC

The footage, which first appeared online on 31 August, mirrors similar demolitions carried out by Israeli forces in southern Gaza.

From BBC

But after the Navy closed the San Diego training center in 1997, it sat empty and deteriorating, facing threats of demolition or commercial redevelopment.

From Los Angeles Times

The resolution also highlights the support among Israeli leaders for the forced expulsion of all Palestinians from Gaza, alongside Israel's near-total demolition of housing in the territory.

From BBC

Japan beat the United States for the first time in Los Angeles in April, before New Zealand ran in 13 tries in a 79-14 demolition a month later.

From BBC

Related Words

• annihilation 
• explosion