First Known Use: 1570
Dictionary
demolish
verb de·mol·ish \di-ˈmä-lish\
: to destroy (a building, bridge, etc.) : to forcefully tear down or take apart (a structure)
: to damage (something) so that it cannot be repaired
: to eat all of (something) quickly
Full Definition of DEMOLISH
transitive verb
2
a : to do away with : destroy b : to strip of any pretense of merit or credence
— de·mol·ish·er noun
— de·mol·ish·ment \-lish-mənt\ noun
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Origin of DEMOLISH
Middle French demoliss-, stem of demolir, from Latin demoliri, from de- + moliri to construct, from moles mass — more at mole
Related to DEMOLISH
Rhymes with DEMOLISH
DEMOLISHER Defined for Kids
demolish
verb de·mol·ish \di-ˈmä-lish\
de·mol·ishedde·mol·ish·ing
Definition of DEMOLISH for Kids
1
: to destroy by breaking apart <demolish a building>
2
: to ruin completely : shatter <He demolished the speed record.>
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