demolition

[dem-uh-lish-uhn, dee-muh-]

noun

1. an act or instance of demolishing.

2. the state of being demolished; destruction.

3. destruction or demolishment by explosives.

4. demolitions, explosives, especially as used in war.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or working with explosives.

   A demolition squad attempted to blow up the bridge before the enemy captured it.

2. of or relating to tearing down or demolishing.

   Demolition work had begun on the old building.

demolition

/ ˌdiː-, ˌdɛməˈlɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of demolishing or state of being demolished

2. military

   1. destruction by explosives

   2. ( as modifier )

      a demolition charge

Other Word Forms

• demolitionist noun
• nondemolition noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of demolition¹

1540–50; < Latin dēmōlītiōn- (stem of dēmōlītiō ), equivalent to dēmōlīt ( us ) (past participle of dēmōlīrī; demolish ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

The one presented is about as elegant as a demolition derby conducted at a landfill, with so many elements flying around that the movie ends in a thick cloud of culpability.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The Israeli military told AFP that it "issued demolition orders for several illegal buildings constructed in an unlicensed area that pose a threat to the area's security."

Read more on Barron's

It is not clear why Operation Iron Wall continues, although demolitions are still happening in the camps.

Read more on BBC

In a nutshell it would see the demolition and rebuilding of the city's existing Arts centre, the refurbishment of the adjacent Town Hall and the linking of the two.

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Yet now, after many years of supporting this diverse community, the bar faces demolition.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• annihilation 
• explosion