Collins English-English Dictionary

demolish [dɪ'mɑlɪʃ]

1. 1. vt. [tr] to tear down or break up (buildings, etc)

2. 2. vt. to destroy; put an end to (an argument, etc)

3. 3. vt. [facetious] to eat up

   she demolished the whole cake!

4. 4. vt. [Etymology] C16: from French démolir, from Latin demoliri to throw down, destroy, from de- + moliri to strive, toil, construct, from moles mass, bulk