B2verburbanconflict
US/dɪˈmɑː.lɪʃ/
UK/dɪˈmɒl.ɪʃ/
to destroy a building completely, or to show that an idea or argument is wrong
In context
The old cinema was demolished to make room for a shopping center.
The council plans to demolish the unsafe apartment block next year.
Her lawyer demolished the witness's story in just ten minutes.
Words that go with demolish
verb + noun
- demolish a buildingThey will demolish the building next month.
- demolish a wallWorkers demolished the wall in a single day.
- demolish an argumentThe speaker demolished his opponent's argument.
- demolish a theoryNew evidence demolished the old theory.
- demolish a mythThe study demolishes the myth that sugar makes children hyperactive.
verb + preposition
- be demolished to make way forThe houses were demolished to make way for a new road.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
demolish down the houseCorrect: demolish the house
Incorrect:
The house was demolition.Correct: The house was demolished.