Demolish vs. Demolition — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 9, 2024
"Demolish" is a verb meaning to destroy or tear down a structure, while "demolition" is a noun referring to the act or process of demolishing a building or structure.
Difference Between Demolish and Demolition
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Key Differences
"Demolish" is the action of knocking down, destroying, or dismantling a building, wall, or other structure. "Demolition," in contrast, refers to the process or event in which structures are demolished.
When a structure is damaged or no longer needed, it is demolished, often by specialized construction crews. Demolition is the broader concept encompassing the planning, preparation, and execution required for safe and efficient teardown.
"Demolish" can also mean to figuratively destroy something, like demolishing an argument or theory. "Demolition," however, is more limited to physical destruction, though it may involve controlled explosions or machinery.
Demolishing involves taking direct action to disassemble or obliterate a structure. Demolition as a process requires careful planning to avoid damage to surrounding areas and often involves regulatory approval.
"Demolish" is used in sentences to convey immediate action, whereas "demolition" provides a more comprehensive understanding of the planning and effects involved in the act.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Verb
Noun
Definition
To destroy or tear down
The act or process of demolishing
Contextual Use
Action-oriented, immediate
Process-oriented, comprehensive
Planning
Requires planning before execution
Includes preparation and regulatory approval
Figurative Use
Can mean dismantling an idea or theory
Less commonly used figuratively
Compare with Definitions
Demolish
To reduce to pieces with explosive force.
They planned to demolish the stadium using controlled explosives.
Demolition
The process or act of tearing down structures.
The city approved the demolition of the old factory.
Demolish
To refute or disprove an argument or theory.
The scientist demolished the old hypothesis with new evidence.
Demolition
The controlled destruction of buildings using explosives or machinery.
The demolition required expert handling to prevent collateral damage.
Demolish
To consume food rapidly.
He demolished the sandwich in just a few minutes.
Demolition
The event involving machinery, explosives, and a crew.
The demolition was carefully coordinated to minimize environmental impact.
Demolish
To destroy or dismantle a structure.
The crew will demolish the old building to make room for a new park.
Demolition
The process of defeating or disproving something.
The team's defense strategy led to the complete demolition of their opponent's offense.
Demolish
To defeat thoroughly or ruin.
The champion easily demolished his opponent in the chess tournament.
Demolition
The reduction of a building to rubble or debris.
The company specialized in demolitions and debris management.
Demolish
To tear down or break apart the structure of; raze.
Demolition
Demolition, also known as razing, cartage, and wrecking is the science and engineering in safely and efficiently tearing down of buildings and other artificial structures. Demolition contrasts with deconstruction, which involves taking a building apart while carefully preserving valuable elements for reuse purposes.
Demolish
To do away with completely; put an end to
The opposing team's home run demolished any hopes we had of winning the game.
Demolition
The act or process of wrecking or destroying, especially destruction by explosives.
Demolish
To damage (someone's reputation, for example) severely.
Demolition
Demolitions Explosives, especially when designed or used as weapons.
Demolish
(literally) To destroy (buildings, etc.), especially in a planned or intentional fashion.
They demolished the old mill and put up four townhouses.
Demolition
The process of demolishing or destroying buildings or other structures.
Demolish
(figuratively) To defeat, refute, discredit, or consume utterly (as a theory, belief or opponent).
Demolition
The act of overthrowing, pulling down, or destroying a pile or structure; destruction by violence; utter overthrow; - opposed to construction; as, the demolition of a house, of military works, of a town, or of hopes.
Demolish
To throw or pull down; to raze; to destroy the fabric of; to pull to pieces; to ruin; as, to demolish an edifice, or a wall.
I expected the fabric of my book would long since have been demolished, and laid even with the ground.
Demolition
An event (or the result of an event) that completely destroys something
Demolish
Destroy completely;
The wrecking ball demolished the building
Demolish your enemies
Pulverize the rebellion before it gets out of hand
Demolition
The act of demolishing
Demolish
Humiliate or depress completely;
She was crushed by his refusal of her invitation
The death of her son smashed her
Demolish
Defeat soundly;
The home team demolished the visitors
Common Curiosities
Is demolition always done with explosives?
No, it can also involve machinery like bulldozers or cranes.
Can "demolish" and "demolition" be used interchangeably?
No, "demolish" is a verb describing action, while "demolition" is a noun describing the process.
What professions handle demolitions?
Demolition engineers and construction crews are specialized for such tasks.
Is "demolition" used figuratively?
Rarely, though it can metaphorically represent complete defeat or dismantling.
Is demolishing a structure quick?
It can vary; preparation for safe demolition often takes time.
Can "demolish" refer to non-physical things?
Yes, it can mean to disprove ideas or theories.
Can "demolish" be used for food consumption?
Yes, informally it can mean eating quickly or greedily.
Is demolition more dangerous than construction?
It can be due to the risks involved in collapsing structures.
Can buildings be partially demolished?
Yes, sometimes selective demolition is used for renovations.
Can demolition have environmental impacts?
Yes, and demolition crews often work to minimize these effects.
Does demolition require special permits?
Yes, most areas require regulatory approval before demolition.
Does demolishing always require explosives?
No, manual demolition methods are also commonly used.
What are the typical tools used in demolition?
Bulldozers, wrecking balls, and explosives are common tools.
Are demolitions controlled to protect nearby structures?
Yes, meticulous planning ensures minimal risk to surrounding areas.
How long does demolition usually take?
It depends on the building size and complexity but can range from days to weeks.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
