demolition
dem-uh-LISH-uhn
/ˌdɛməˈlɪʃən/
The act of tearing down or destroying structures, buildings, or concrete infrastructure using heavy equipment or explosives.
Refers to controlled, intentional dismantling, unlike accidental collapse or natural disaster damage.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'demoliri' (to pull down, destroy), formed from 'de-' (down, away) and 'moliri' (to build or heave heavy masses, from 'moles' mass). Literally means 'un-massing' or pulling down a massive building.
Word relationships
- destruction: 'Destruction' can be accidental or chaotic; 'demolition' is planned, systematic tearing down by professionals.
- dismantling: 'Dismantling' implies taking apart piece by piece gently; 'demolition' often involves heavy impact force or shears.
- construction: 'Construction' is the process of building, the exact opposite of knocking down.
- erection: 'Erection' refers specifically to assembling structural frames upward.
Commonly confused with
- excavation: Demolition tears down existing built structures; excavation digs out natural earth or rock below.
Word family
- demolish (verb): To tear down completely.
- demolitionist (noun): A specialist trained in controlled structural tearing down or explosives work.
Collocations
- demolition ball
- demolition crew
- selective demolition
- demolition site
Example sentences
- "The city approved the controlled demolition of the abandoned industrial plant to clear space for a public park." Urban Redevelopment
- "Specialized excavator shears were brought to the site to execute the selective demolition of concrete support pillars." Demolition Safety
Memory hook
DE-MOLE-ition: pull DOWN the MOLE-hill or building down to the dirt. DE-BUILD: tearing down built structures.
When not to use
Do not use to describe light house-cleaning or simple renovation painting.
Fun facts
- In modern urban engineering, over 90% of structural demolition waste is recycled into road base or fresh concrete aggregate!
Explore more words
teardown, wreckage, dismantle, ruin, redevelopment, excavation
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