Origin: Latin suffix -tion
Demolition has 3 different meanings across 1 category:
an event (or the result of an event) that completely destroys something
"The scheduled demolition of the old factory left nothing but a pile of rubble in its place."
The process of demolishing or destroying buildings or other structures.
"The city planned a massive demolition to clear the old factory site before construction began."
In plain English: Demolition is the act of tearing down a building completely so nothing remains standing.
"The demolition of the old factory took place over several weeks."
Usage: Demolition refers specifically to the intentional destruction of existing structures, distinguishing it from natural decay or accidental damage. Use this term when describing planned projects where buildings are taken down rather than renovated or repurposed.
The word comes from the Old French demolition, which was borrowed from the Latin dēmōlītiō meaning "a tearing down." It entered English as a noun form of the verb demolish.