demolish
UK: dɪˈmɒlɪʃ | US: dɪˈmɑːlɪʃ
vt. to completely destroy a building or structure
vt. to defeat or ruin something decisively (e.g., an argument, plan)
vt. (figuratively) to consume food or drink eagerly
demolish = de<down, completely> + mol<build> + ish<verb suffix>
- de: Prefix from Latin de-, meaning "down" or "completely."
- mol: Root from Latin moles (mass, structure) or moliri (to build). Here, it implies "building" in reverse (destruction).
- ish: Verb-forming suffix from Old French -iss, Latin -izare, indicating action.
Etymology Origin:
Derived from Latin demoliri ("to tear down"), combining de- (undoing) + moliri (to construct). The word entered Middle English via Old French demoliss-, retaining its destructive sense. The logic is clear: reversing construction ("build down") leads to destruction.
The old factory was demolished to make space for a park.
Her criticism demolished his argument in seconds.
The team demolished their opponents with a 10-0 victory.
He demolished the entire pizza by himself.
The hurricane demolished coastal villages.