demolish
8 synonyms and 3 antonyms for demolish, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To tear down or destroy a building or structure, usually deliberately.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use demolish
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
demolish a building
demolish an argument
demolish the opposition
Etymology
From Middle French demoliss-, a form of demolir ("to tear down"), from Latin dēmōlior, "to pull down."
Full origin of demolish →Frequently asked questions
What does “demolish” mean?
The word “demolish” means to tear down or destroy a building or structure, usually deliberately. In plain terms, to knock something down completely, or to crush an argument or opponent just as thoroughly.
How do you pronounce “demolish”?
“Demolish” is pronounced d-MOL-ihsh (/dᵻˈmɒl.ɪʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “demolish” in a sentence?
Here is “demolish” used in a sentence: “Crews demolished the old stadium to make way for apartments.”
What part of speech is “demolish”?
“Demolish” is a verb.
Where does the word “demolish” come from?
The word “demolish” comes from Latin. From Middle French demoliss-, a form of demolir ("to tear down"), from Latin dēmōlior, "to pull down.".
Is “demolish” a common word?
“Demolish” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “demolish” have?
“Demolish” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to tear down or destroy a building or structure, usually deliberately.
