# demolish

/dɪˈmɑɫɪʃ/ (US) · /dɪmˈɒlɪʃ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/demolish
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. to destroy a building

verb · CEFR B2

to knock down a building or large structure, usually on purpose.

For teachers: to pull or knock down a building or other structure, typically as a planned operation.

- The city decided to demolish the old factory to make room for a park.
- The construction crew used a wrecking ball to demolish the condemned apartment block, clearing the site for a new sustainable housing development.

Usage: Transitive; requires a direct object such as a building, wall, or bridge.

### 2. to prove wrong

verb · CEFR C1 · Academic

to show that an idea, argument, or theory is completely false.

For teachers: to effectively refute or discredit an argument, theory, or belief system.

- The lawyer used new evidence to demolish the witness's story.
- In her latest paper, the scientist managed to demolish the long-standing theory that the two species were unrelated.

Usage: Often used in academic or formal debates regarding theories or evidence.

### 3. to eat quickly

verb · CEFR B2 · Informal

to eat a large amount of food very quickly.

For teachers: to consume food rapidly and completely.

- The teenagers managed to demolish three large pizzas in ten minutes.
- After the marathon, he proceeded to demolish a massive plate of pasta, barely pausing for breath between bites.

Usage: Usually takes a specific meal or food item as the object.

## Examples

- The city plans to demolish the old factory next month.
- The construction crew used a wrecking ball to demolish the condemned apartment block in just three days.
- The defense attorney proceeded to demolish the witness's testimony by highlighting several critical inconsistencies in the timeline of events.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.