Practice Demolish with Flashcards, Spelling and Quizzes

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ACT 7 (American College Testing)

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Damage and Destruction

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Destruction and Devastation

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Elimination and Suspension

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Suffix -ish

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TOEFL 3

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demolish

Demolish (verb) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

verb

IPA:

/dɪˈmɒl ɪʃ/

What does demolish mean?

To completely destroy or tear down a structure, building, or object.
"The wrecking ball was used to demolish the old building."

Detailed Meaning of Demolish

It involves intentionally breaking apart, dismantling, or reducing something to ruins or rubble. Demolishing often entails the use of heavy machinery, explosives, or other powerful tools to bring down the targeted entity. The purpose of demolition can vary, including the removal of old or unsafe structures, clearing space for new construction, or altering the landscape. It requires careful planning, expertise, and adherence to safety protocols to ensure the controlled destruction of the intended object. Demolishing can range in scale, from small-scale demolitions of individual buildings to large-scale projects involving the leveling of entire neighborhoods or complexes. Overall, the verb "demolish" signifies the deliberate and complete destruction of a physical entity, rendering it unrecognizable or non-existent.

Example Sentences for Demolish

1. The controlled explosion effectively demolished the condemned structure.
2. The construction crew worked tirelessly to demolish the existing walls.
3. The hurricane's strong winds demolished several houses along the coastline.
4. The abandoned factory was scheduled to be demolished to make way for a new development.
5. The bulldozer was used to demolish the dilapidated shed.
6. The renovation project required the team to demolish the interior walls.

Origin and Etymology of Demolish

The verb 'demolish' has an etymology rooted in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'demoliri,' which is a combination of 'de' meaning 'completely' and 'moliri' meaning 'to build' or 'to construct.' Therefore, the etymology of 'demolish' conveys the idea of 'completely undoing' or 'tearing down' something that was previously constructed. It accurately describes the action of destroying or dismantling a structure, building, or object to the point of rendering it in ruins. The word 'demolish' has retained its connection to the concept of complete destruction, reflecting its Latin origins where 'demoliri' signified the act of tearing down or razing to the ground.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the verb demolish:

build

construct

repair

destroy

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Demolish

1. The demolition crew carefully planned the sequence of bringing down the multi-story building.
2. The vacant warehouse was demolished to clear the land for a parking lot.
3. The city council approved the plan to demolish the old bridge and construct a modern one.
4. The historical building was unfortunately demolished due to irreparable damage.
5. The explosives were strategically placed to safely demolish the outdated structure.
6. The wrecking ball will demolish the old factory to make way for a new development.
7. The hurricane's force was so strong that it threatened to demolish homes.
8. The construction crew will demolish the bridge before rebuilding it.
9. The demolition team worked tirelessly to safely demolish the skyscraper.
10. The earthquake's tremors caused buildings to sway and threaten to demolish them.
11. We decided to demolish the dilapidated barn and construct a new one.
12. The old stadium's grandstands were demolished to make room for a modern arena.
13. The decision to demolish the historic mansion sparked controversy in the community.
14. The bulldozer will carefully demolish the old shopping center's walls.
15. The city council approved plans to demolish the aging parking garage.
16. The wrecking crew will demolish the condemned building next week.
17. The developer intends to demolish the vacant lot for a new housing complex.
18. The demolition process required skilled workers to safely demolish the structure.
19. They decided to demolish the unsafe bridge and build a safer one.
20. The government authorized the use of explosives to quickly demolish the dam.
21. The decision to demolish the landmark hotel shocked the residents.
22. The historic theater was beyond repair and had to be demolished.
23. The tornado's force threatened to demolish entire neighborhoods.
24. The team carefully planned how to demolish the old, unstable silo.
25. The construction crew will demolish the old pier to build a new one.