demolition
6 synonyms and 1 antonym for demolition, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The act of tearing down a building or other structure.
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 demolition
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
demolition crew
controlled demolition
demolition site
Etymology
From Old French demolition, from Latin dēmōlītiō, "a tearing down" — the noun form of demolish.
Full origin of demolition →Frequently asked questions
What does “demolition” mean?
The word “demolition” means the act of tearing down a building or other structure. In plain terms, the process of knocking a structure down.
How do you pronounce “demolition”?
“Demolition” is pronounced dehm-uh-LIHSH-uhn (/ˌdɛm.əˈlɪʃ.ən/ in IPA).
How do you use “demolition” in a sentence?
Here is “demolition” used in a sentence: “The demolition of the old bridge took less than a minute with explosives.”
What part of speech is “demolition”?
“Demolition” is a noun.
Where does the word “demolition” come from?
The word “demolition” comes from Latin. From Old French demolition, from Latin dēmōlītiō, "a tearing down" — the noun form of demolish.
Is “demolition” a common word?
“Demolition” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
What is the difference between demolition and destruction?
Demolition refers specifically to the deliberate act of tearing down a building or structure, usually as a planned process, while destruction is a broader term that can describe any damage or ruin, whether intentional or accidental. Demolition implies control and purpose, such as a scheduled demolition project.
Is demolition always deliberate?
Yes, demolition specifically describes an intentional act of tearing down a structure, often carried out by professionals using tools, machinery, or explosives. This distinguishes it from words describing accidental or natural collapse.
What collocations commonly appear with demolition?
Common phrases include "demolition crew," "demolition site," "controlled demolition," and "demolition order," all relating to the planned tearing down of buildings or structures. These collocations reflect the word's core sense of deliberate destruction.
