ENGLISH
REFERENCE

demolition

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌdɛməˈɫɪʃən// UK //dˌɛməlˈɪʃən// de·mo·li·tion

n. the act of completely destroying a building or other large structure. You usually see this when old houses are knocked down to make space for new ones.

n. the act of deliberately destroying a structure, typically a building. Often involves the use of heavy machinery or explosives to clear a site for redevelopment.


SIMPLE

The demolition of the old factory starts tomorrow morning.

CONTEXTUAL

City officials approved the demolition of the derelict warehouse to make room for a new public park.

COMPLEX

While the demolition of the historic theater sparked public outcry, the structural engineers maintained that the foundation was too compromised to support any modern renovation efforts.

Synonyms
Origin

From Old French demolition, from Latin dēmōlītiō (“a tearing down”). Equivalent to demolish + -ion.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the general process; countable when referring to a specific instance or event.

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