demolish
UK[dɪˈmɒlɪʃ]US[dɪˈmɑːlɪʃ]
v
To completely destroy a building or other structure.
v
To prove that an idea, argument, or theory is completely wrong.
v
To defeat someone easily and completely in a game or competition.
v
To eat all of something quickly and eagerly.
Morpheme Breakdown
de
mol
ish
de
down, away
mol
mass, structure
ish
verb suffix
Etymology
The word 'demolish' originates from the Latin verb demoliri, meaning "to tear down, pull down." This verb itself is a compound of the intensive prefix de- ("down, away") and moliri ("to build, to construct"), derived from moles ("a mass, a large structure"). The semantic logic is beautifully direct: the core meaning of moliri is to build or erect a mass, so de-moliri literally means "to un-build" or "to take down a structure." This concrete sense of physically destroying buildings entered English via Middle French demoliss- in the 16th century. Over time, the meaning broadened metaphorically to include the destruction of abstract constructs like arguments, reputations, or opponents, as well as the humorous, vigorous consumption of food.
Analysis
Structure: de (down, away) + mol (mass, structure) + ish (verb suffix)
- de: A Latin prefix meaning "down, away, off, completely."
- mol: A morpheme from the Latin root moliri ("to build, to construct") and moles ("a mass, a large structure, a burden").
- ish: A verb-forming suffix of French and Latin origin, indicating an action.
Examples
The old factory was demolished to make way for a new park.
The lawyer's cross-examination completely demolished the witness's testimony.
After the marathon, he demolished an entire pizza by himself.