Meaning & Definition of word "Demolish"

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    Demolish

    /dɪˈmɒlɪʃ/

    verb:

    • 1. to destroy (a building or other structure) completely.
      • Example: The old factory was demolished to make way for a new shopping center.
    • 2. to defeat (someone) overwhelmingly.
      • Example: The team demolished their opponents in the championship game.
    • 3. to invalidate or disprove (an argument or theory).
      • Example: The scientist managed to demolish the previously accepted theories with her new research.

    Etymology

    Late Middle English: from Old French 'démolir', from Latin 'demolire', from 'de-' (down from) + 'molem' (mass, structure).

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    demolish a myth:

    To refute or disprove a widely held belief.

    demolish someone's argument:

    To thoroughly counter or dismantle an argument.

    Related Words

    wreck:

    To cause the destruction of something.

    destroy:

    To put an end to the existence of something.

    Slang Meanings of demolish

    Meaning: To defeat someone decisively.

    Example Sentence: They just demolished their rivals in the match.

    Meaning: To consume something quickly.

    Example Sentence: He demolished that burger in seconds.