Definition of: demolish

(di·mol′ish) v.t.
1. To tear down; raze, as a building.
2. To destroy utterly; ruin; lay waste to. [<F démoliss-, stem of démolir <L demoliri <de- down + moliri build <moles heap, mass]
—de·mol′ish·er noun Synonyms: destroy, overthrow, overturn, raze, ruin. A building, monument, or other structure is demolished when reduced to a shapeless mass; it is razed when level with the ground; it is destroyed when its structural unity is gone, whether or not its component parts remain. An edifice is destroyed by fire or earthquake; it is demolished by bombardment; it is ruined when, by violence or neglect, it has become unfit for human habitation. Compare ABOLISH, BREAK. Antonyms: build, construct, create, make, repair, restore.