Demolition
/ˌdɛməˈlɪʃən/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe act of destroying something, typically a building or other structure, completely or partially.
/ˌdɛməˈlɪʃən/
The act of destroying something, especially a building.
The controlled demolition of the skyscraper was a carefully planned event.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have an old toy you don't want anymore. Demolition is like taking it apart completely, so it's gone. It's often used when talking about buildings that are taken down.
👶 For kids: Taking apart something big, like a house or a building, so it's gone.
More Examples
The city council approved the demolition of the dilapidated apartment building.
Environmental concerns were raised about the demolition process.
The company specialized in the demolition of industrial sites.
How It's Used
"The demolition of the old factory made way for a new housing development."
"The demolition of the Berlin Wall symbolized the end of the Cold War."
The act of discrediting someone's reputation or ideas.
/ˌdɛməˈlɪʃən/
The action of discrediting someone's reputation or ideas.
The journalist's article was a demolition of the corporation's claims.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, people try to 'demolish' someone's ideas, like trying to show that they're wrong or not good.
👶 For kids: Trying to make someone's ideas or thoughts seem bad.
More Examples
His arguments were designed for the demolition of the existing economic model.
How It's Used
"The candidate launched a campaign for the demolition of their opponent's policies."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
From Latin *demoliri* ('to tear down, demolish'), from *de-* ('down, away') + *moliri* ('to build, construct'). The word's usage evolved to describe the intentional destruction of buildings and structures.
The term 'demolition' has been used since the late 17th century, initially referring to the destruction of fortifications and later expanding to encompass other structures and contexts.
Memory tip
Think of the 'de-' prefix as 'down' and 'molish' as 'to break'. Demolition means to break it down!
Word Origin
"to tear down, destroy"