demolish

Definition

To destroy (buildings, etc.), especially in a planned or intentional fashion.

Etymology

Attested since the 16th century; from Middle French demoliss-, the stem of some conjugated forms of the verb demolir (“to destroy”, “to tear down”), from Latin dēmōlior (“I tear down”). Displaced native Old English tōweorpan (literally “to throw apart”).

Example Sentences

• "They demolished the old mill and put up four townhouses."
• "The station did not have a long life, as it was demolished between 1884 and 1888 to make room for a new and larger station which forms part of the present Liverpool Exchange Station."
• "The force of the explosion demolished one pair of piers and two spans of the bridge crashed down into the river on top of the barges."