də̇ˈmälish, dēˈ-, -lēsh transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
Etymology: Middle French demoliss-, stem of demolir to demolish, from Latin demoliri, from de- + moliri to construct, set in motion, toil, from moles mass, massive structure — more at mole
1.
a. : to pull or tear down (as a building) : raze
built in 1706 and demolished in 1859 to make way for the present building — American Guide Series: New Jersey
b. : to break to pieces or apart usually with force or violence : ruin completely : shatter , smash
demolishing the fortifications and the harbor
2.
a. : to do away with : put an end to : destroy
his research has been painstaking and he demolishes a good many legends — Fletcher Pratt
a filibuster which would effectively demolish the issue — Current Biography
b. : to divest of any claim or pretense to merit, truth, credence, or acceptability
I heard him on another occasion demolish a city financier of more wealth than probity — David Williamson
c. : to eat up
they demolished the roast
Synonyms: see destroy