noun

demolition

dem-uh-LISH-uhn/ˌdeməˈlɪʃn/

The act of tearing down or completely destroying something.

The excavator continues the demolition of the empty building.

A partly demolished empty building with excavator and neatly separated rubble piles, work in progress.

Etymology

deLatindown; undo

+molLatinbuild, construct

+itionLatinact or process

The construction root combined with “down” names the reversal of building. The action-noun ending makes demolition the act of pulling a structure down.

In context

Definition Discovery0:48

unlike traditional demolition where the entire structure is brought down selective demolition targets only areas that are to be renovated or removed

Understanding Selective Demolition: A Key to Sustainable Construction

More examples

Demolition began after the site was cleared.
The permit covered two demolitions.
Dust rose from the demolition work.

Forms

demolition · demolitions

Similar words

destruction: Destruction need not be planned.
dismantling: Dismantling need not destroy the parts.