demolition

American  

[dem-uh-lish-uhn, dee-muh-] / ˌdɛm əˈlɪʃ ən, ˌdi mə- /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• demolitionist noun
• nondemolition noun

Etymology

Origin of demolition

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

Example Sentences

One key to his success has been his demolition of the fragmented, old opposition parties.

From BBC

As part of the deal, TSG must pay for the demolition of the stables, grandstand and adjoining structures.

From Los Angeles Times

The demolition and foundation-building already is completed, but aboveground construction was due to begin next month.

From BBC

“Let’s get a spot on the grandstand for the demolition derby. If we go now, we’ll get front row seats.”

From Literature

"It's one of the mills that's never been touched, as in redevelopment, but there's only one thing now - demolition, I think," one man said.

From BBC

Related Words

• annihilation
• explosion