demolition
/ˌdeməˈlɪʃn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌdeməˈlɪʃn/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌde-mə-ˈli-shən ˌdē-mə-/ (ame, mw)
demolition — noun
- demolitionsingular
- demolitionsplural
1. the work of deliberately destroying buildings, bridges, or other large structure
the work of deliberately destroying buildings, bridges, or other large structures, usually to clear the land for a new project.
The company won the contract for the demolition of the old hospital on Vine Street.
collocation: demolition of + building
Demolition crews began clearing the collapsed shopping centre yesterday morning.
collocation: demolition crew
The city council approved the demolition of twelve unsafe apartment blocks near the river.
After months of public debate, the demolition of the old factory began on Tuesday.
Minh watched the controlled demolition of the stadium from his office window.
- destruction
broader in scope — can refer to any thing or process, not just large structures
- wrecking
more violent and chaotic in tone; less formal than 'demolition'
- razing
means destroying completely, often to the ground; more literary and less common
- construction
the opposite activity — building something up rather than tearing it down
- preservation
keeping a structure in its existing state instead of destroying it
用法筆記
Often used as a compound noun before another noun — for example, 'demolition crew', 'demolition work', 'demolition permit'. Typically countable when referring to a specific event ('the demolition of the building') and uncountable when referring to the activity in general ('Demolition is dangerous work').
常見錯誤
2. a strong and complete refutation that shows an argument, theory, or claim has no
a strong and complete refutation that shows an argument, theory, or claim has no logical basis and cannot be defended.
Professor Tendai's demolition of the popular economic theory was both decisive and thorough.
collocation: demolition of + theory/argument
Hassan's recent article is a complete demolition of every claim made by the opposition party.
intensifier: complete demolition
Sivan offered a patient but devastating demolition of the flawed reasoning in the report.
The defence lawyer's demolition of the witness's testimony convinced the jury to acquit her client.
- refutation
more formal and technical; focuses on logical disproving rather than forceful rejection
- rebuttal
suggests a point-by-point response rather than a sweeping refutation
- disproof
emphasises evidence that shows something is false; less common in everyday use
- confirmation
showing that an argument or theory is correct rather than wrong
- endorsement
giving approval or support to an idea instead of tearing it down
文法句型
demolition + of + argument/theory/claim
用法筆記
Almost always followed by 'of' and the thing being refuted. Frequently preceded by intensifying adjectives such as 'complete', 'total', or 'devastating'. The definite article is common ('the demolition of his argument').
常見錯誤
3. a complete and easy defeat of an opponent in a sport, game, or competition, wher
a complete and easy defeat of an opponent in a sport, game, or competition, where the winner dominates from start to finish.
The home team suffered a 5–0 demolition at the hands of their cross-town rivals.
collocation: score + demolition (in sports)
The televised debate ended in a total demolition of the government's education policy.
Romi scored three goals in her team's demolition of the defending league champions.
The chess champion's demolition of the visiting grandmaster took only twenty-two moves.
- thriller
a close, exciting contest that is the opposite of a one-sided demolition
- nail-biter
an informal term for a very close game where the outcome is uncertain until the end
文法句型
demolition + of + opponent/team
用法筆記
Common in sports reporting and debate commentary. Often used with a score or margin that emphasises one-sidedness. Verbs frequently used as objects include 'suffer', 'hand', 'face' — suggesting the result is painful for the loser.