demolish

Definitions

de- (down) + mōliri (to build up a massive structure, from mōlēs 'huge mass'). If mōliri is heaping stone into a mighty pile, demolish is the reverse — dragging that whole pile back down. That's why it's used for big, solid things: you demolish a building, not a sandcastle. (The -ish here comes via Old French -iss-, not the 'somewhat' suffix.)

Why It Means This

The figurative senses all keep the original image of bringing down something built up. Just as you tear a massive structure to the ground, you can 'demolish' an argument (tear down a carefully constructed case) or 'demolish' an opponent (leave nothing of their position standing). The force always implies the target was big or solid to begin with.

Common Collocations

• 1.demolish a building拆毁建筑
• 2.demolish a house拆掉房子
• 3.demolish an argument驳倒论点
• 4.demolish a theory推翻理论

Example Sentences

• 1.

  The city plans to demolish the old factory to make way for housing.

• 2.

  Workers demolished the building in a single afternoon.

• 3.

  In the debate, she demolished her opponent's argument point by point.

• 4.

  The team demolished their rivals 5–0.