different between demolish vs demonish

English

Etymology

Attested since the 16th century; from Middle French demoliss-, the stem of some conjugated forms of the verb demolir (“to destroy”, “to tear down”), from Latin d?m?lior (“I tear down”).

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /d??m?l.??/

Verb

demolish (third-person singular simple present demolishes, present participle demolishing, simple past and past participle demolished)

1. To destroy.
2. (transitive, figuratively) To defeat or consume utterly (as a theory, belief or opponent).
   • 1992, Robert Rankin, The Antipope (page 68)

     The Captain folded his brow into a look of intense perplexity. 'You seem exceedingly spry for a man who demolished an entire bottle of brandy and better part of an ounce of shag in a single evening.'
     'And very nice too,' said the tramp. 'Now as to breakfast?'

Synonyms

• See also Thesaurus:destroy

Related terms

• demolition

Translations

References

• Douglas Harper (2001–2021) , “demolish”, in Online Etymology Dictionary

Anagrams

• modelish

English

Etymology

demon +? -ish

Adjective

demonish (comparative more demonish, superlative most demonish)

1. Like or characteristic of a demon; demonic.
   • 1869, The Overland Monthly (volume 2, page 71)

     to stealthily seek the aid of the demonish patroness

   • 1925, D. H. Lawrence, The Princess

     It was watching her with cold animal curiosity, something demonish and conscienceless.

Synonyms

• demonlike
• demonly

Anagrams

• hedonism, monished