Demolition Meaning

/ˌdɛm.əˈlɪʃ.ən/
C1

Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.

Listen pronunciation

nounThe process of demolishing or destroying buildings or other structures.

Well over three thousand people signed to prevent the demolition of this historic building.
This was the first time Tom had ever seen a demolition derby.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The ____ of the factory will begin next Monday morning.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Well over three thousand people signed to prevent the ____ of this historic building.

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

"During the war, but unrecorded because of the requirements of censorship, a link with the now partly-abandoned Cardiff Railway disappeared with the demolition of Rhydyfelin Viaduct, near Treforest, South Wales, in the latter part of 1942. The steelwork in this structure, amounting to nearly 1,150 tons, was salvaged as scrap metal to assist the war effort." — 1946 January and February, “Notes and News: Demolition of Rhydyfelin Viaduct”, in Railway Magazine, page 52:
"At Kiwi, 40 miles from Nelson [New Zealand], eight women installed themselves in the goods shed, taking with them their knitting, and a supply of food and magazines. The demolition crew was unable to pull the building down without injuring them." — 1955 December, “Notes and News: Women Delay Railway Demolition”, in Railway Magazine, page 878:

Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words

CEFR Practice Quiz
The ____ of the factory will begin next Monday morning.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Well over three thousand people signed to prevent the ____ of this historic building.

Expand Your Vocabulary with LexUp

Master English words using smart flashcards, play exciting word rounds, and compete with other learners worldwide.

Browse CEFR Words Alphabetically