demolition
B2Neutral to formal
Definition
Meaning
The act of completely destroying or tearing down a building or structure.
The process of destroying or ending something completely, especially an institution, idea, or argument.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a deliberate, thorough, and often systematic destruction, leaving little intact. Can be used both literally (buildings) and metaphorically (arguments, reputations).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The verb 'demolish' is used identically.
Connotations
In both varieties, the word carries connotations of force, finality, and thoroughness.
Frequency
Equally common in both UK and US English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[demolition] of [building/argument][subject] ordered the [demolition][subject] faced [demolition][demolition] is scheduled/planned for [date]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Demolition derby (US)”
- “Demolition job (on someone/something)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Referring to the clearing of sites for redevelopment.
Academic
Used in archaeology, engineering, and history to describe the destruction of structures or theories.
Everyday
Talking about old buildings being knocked down.
Technical
Specific engineering processes for controlled destruction of structures.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The council has decided to demolish the old cinema.
- They demolished the terrace to make way for a car park.
American English
- The city plans to demolish the unsafe bridge.
- He completely demolished his opponent's argument in the debate.
adjective
British English
- The demolition contractor arrived with heavy machinery.
- A demolition notice was posted on the door.
American English
- The demolition crew worked quickly.
- We watched the demolition derby at the county fair.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The old house is going to be knocked down. The demolition is next week.
- They watched the big building fall down.
- The demolition of the factory will begin in the spring.
- The old stadium was unsafe, so its demolition was necessary.
- The planned demolition of the historic theatre has caused significant controversy among local residents.
- Her well-researched critique amounted to a total demolition of the proposed policy.
- Archaeologists were granted a brief period to survey the site prior to its imminent demolition.
- The barrister's cross-examination was a masterful demolition of the witness's credibility.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'demo' as a 'demonstration' of power that leaves a building in a 'litter'-ation of rubble (demolition).
Conceptual Metaphor
ARGUMENTS ARE BUILDINGS (e.g., 'demolish an argument'), CHANGE IS DESTRUCTION (e.g., 'demolish old ways of thinking').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'демонстрация' (demonstration/protest).
- The Russian cognate 'демолиция' is extremely rare and not standard; use 'снос (здания)' or 'разрушение'.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'demolitian' or 'demolision'.
- Using 'destruction' where the specific, deliberate act of tearing down a building is meant.
- Pronouncing the middle syllable as /moʊl/ instead of /mə/.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'demolition' used metaphorically?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while its primary meaning relates to buildings, it is commonly used metaphorically to mean the complete destruction or defeat of an idea, argument, plan, or reputation.
'Demolition' typically implies a deliberate, planned, and often controlled act of tearing down a structure. 'Destruction' is a broader term for causing something to cease to exist or function, which can be accidental (e.g., by a storm) or deliberate.
A 'demolition derby' is a motorsport, primarily popular in North America, where drivers compete by deliberately ramming their vehicles into each other until only one car remains operational.
Yes, it can function as a noun modifier in compounds like 'demolition crew', 'demolition site', or 'demolition derby', where it describes something related to the act of demolishing.
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