raze

verb

ˈrāz 

razed; razing

transitive verb

1

: to destroy to the ground : demolish

raze an old building

2

a

: to scrape, cut, or shave off

b

archaic : erase

razer noun

Synonyms

• annihilate
• cream
• decimate
• demolish
• desolate
• destroy
• devastate
• do in
• extinguish
• nuke
• pull down
• pulverize
• rub out
• ruin
• shatter
• smash
• tear down
• total
• vaporize
• waste
• wrack
• wreck

Examples of raze in a Sentence

an entire city block razed by a terrible fire

the developer razed the old school building and built a high-rise condominium complex

Recent Examples on the Web

Saint Therese was closed years ago and its site, which included a heliport, at Washington Street and Keller Avenue, is being razed. —Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 29 Jan. 2025

After years of delay, wreckers get ready to raze enormous ex-hotel in this central CT town After years of delay, wreckers get ready to raze enormous ex-hotel in this central CT town CT brewery closes a popular shoreline pub and restaurant location. —Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 20 Jan. 2025

Meanwhile, to the east, the Eaton Fire has razed 14,021 acres; destroyed over 9,000 structures in the Eaton Canyon, Pasadena and Altadena; and is 81% contained as of Monday morning. —Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 20 Jan. 2025

In 2020, developers razed the building, which once housed not only the library but the offices of the Kansas City Board of Education. —Patrick Salland, Kansas City Star, 20 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

alteration of rase

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

raze

verb

ˈrāz 

razed; razing

: to destroy completely by knocking down or breaking to pieces : demolish

razed the building