demolition
dehm-uh-LIHSH-uhn
Demolition (noun) means the act of tearing down a building or other structure. Example: “The demolition of the old bridge took less than a minute with explosives.”
noun
1
The act of tearing down a building or other structure.
"The demolition of the old bridge took less than a minute with explosives."
"Neighbors complained about the noise from the demolition site."
"The demolition of the empty factory will make room for new homes."
How to use demolition
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe process of knocking a structure down.
Common pairings
demolition crew
controlled demolition
demolition site
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Word forms
- Plural
- demolitions
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The _____ of the old bridge took less than a minute with explosives.
Etymology
From Old French demolition, from Latin dēmōlītiō, "a tearing down" — the noun form of demolish.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for demolition
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for 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.
