demolish Definition
- 1to completely destroy a building or other structure
- 2to defeat someone easily in a game, competition, or argument
Using demolish: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "demolish" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The old factory was demolished to make way for a new shopping center.
Example
The team demolished their opponents with a score of 5-0.
Example
She completely demolished his argument with her counterpoints.
demolish Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using demolish
to defeat someone or something completely and decisively
Example
The new product line completely demolished the competition out of the water.
Example
After the disastrous launch of their new product, the company decided to demolish and rebuild their marketing strategy.
to defeat an opponent or opposing team with ease
Example
The home team demolished the opposition with a final score of 7-1.
Phrases with demolish
demolition job
a thorough and complete destruction of something
Example
The demolition job on the old building was completed in just a few hours.
demolition derby
a motorsport event in which drivers compete by deliberately ramming their vehicles into one another
Example
The annual demolition derby at the county fair is always a crowd favorite.
demolition squad
a group of people who are responsible for demolishing buildings or other structures
Example
The demolition squad arrived early in the morning to begin tearing down the old hotel.
Origins of demolish
from French 'démolir', from Latin 'demoliri', from 'de-' (down) + 'moliri' (build)
Summary: demolish in Brief
The verb 'demolish' [dɪˈmɒlɪʃ] means to completely destroy a building or other structure, as in 'The old factory was demolished to make way for a new shopping center.' It can also refer to defeating someone easily in a game, competition, or argument, as in 'She completely demolished his argument with her counterpoints.' 'Demolish' extends into phrases like 'demolition job,' and idioms like 'demolish and rebuild,' denoting a complete overhaul, and 'demolish the opposition,' implying a decisive victory.
