Demolish
/dɪˈmɒlɪʃ/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo tear down or destroy (a building or other structure) completely; to ruin or destroy (something abstract, such as an argument or reputation).
/dɪˈmɒlɪʃ/
To completely destroy or ruin something.
They demolished the old stadium to build a new one.
💡 Simply: Think of demolishing like when they knock down an old house to build a new one. It's about completely destroying something, like if someone's amazing cake gets smashed.
👶 For kids: To knock down a building or break something completely.
More Examples
The company's reputation was demolished by the scandal.
The hurricane demolished several houses along the coast.
How It's Used
"The old building was demolished to make way for a new shopping center."
"His argument completely demolished her point of view."
To defeat someone or something decisively.
/dɪˈmɒlɪʃ/
To defeat thoroughly.
The home team demolished the visiting team in the championship game.
💡 Simply: Think of demolishing as absolutely crushing your opponent, like in a game when you totally win by a lot, or when someone comes up with a great counter argument and leaves no doubt.
👶 For kids: To win a game or fight very easily and completely.
More Examples
The boxer demolished his opponent in the first round.
The lawyer demolished the witness's testimony during cross-examination.
How It's Used
"The team demolished their opponents in the final game."
"The comedian demolished the other comedians with his jokes."
Idioms & expressions
demolish the competition
To be very successful and beat all the rivals easily.
"The company's new product demolished the competition in the market."
demolish a meal
To eat a meal very quickly and completely.
"After a long hike, they demolished a huge pizza."
From Middle French demolir, from Latin demoliri ('to tear down, raze'), from de- ('down, away') + moliri ('to build, construct').
The word 'demolish' has been used since the 15th century, originally referring to destroying fortifications.
Memory tip
Imagine a giant wrecking ball completely destroying a building. That's demolish!