demolition

noun

de·​mo·​li·​tion ˌde-mə-ˈli-shən 

ˌdē-mə-

1

: the act of demolishing

especially : destruction in war by means of explosives

2

demolitions plural : explosives for destruction in war

demolitionist

ˌde-mə-ˈli-sh(ə-)nəst 

ˌdē-mə-

noun

Synonyms

• annihilation
• decimation
• demolishment
• desolation
• destruction
• devastation
• extermination
• extinction
• havoc
• loss
• mincemeat
• obliteration
• ruin
• ruination
• wastage
• wreckage

Examples of demolition in a Sentence

The old factory is scheduled for demolition next week.

The demolitions should be complete by the end of the year.

Recent Examples on the Web

The current plan is to use Monarch Hill for construction and demolition debris, although there are five other locations in Broward County that accept it. —Michelle Gale, Sun Sentinel, 13 Jan. 2025

Willis said the shelter at this point is encouraging monetary donations from the community as staff figures out the costs associated with demolition, construction and other services including renting storage spaces. —Stephanie Lam, The Mercury News, 12 Jan. 2025

But work at the 30-acre site remains on hold after a demolition mishap last month that spilled debris from a wall into the Chicago River. —Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2025

Highway 70 through downtown Marysville will reopen Friday, freeing the northbound route blocked for months by the destructive fire and demolition of the historic Hotel Marysville. —Darrell Smith, Sacramento Bee, 9 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Latin dēmōlītiōn-, dēmōlītiō, from dēmōlīrī "to throw down, pull down, demolish" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns

First Known Use

circa 1550, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing demolition

• demolition derby

Kids Definition

demolition

noun

de·​mo·​li·​tion ˌdem-ə-ˈlish-ən 

ˌdē-mə-

: the act of demolishing

especially : destruction by means of explosives