Raze

Verb

Definition: To completely destroy or demolish (a building, town, or other settlement).

Synonyms: Demolish, Destroy, Level

Antonyms: Build, Construct, Create

Examples:

The old house was razed to make way for a new development.
The invading army razed the city to the ground.

Mnemonics:

Imagine a bulldozer razing a building to the ground.

Etymology:

Origin:

Middle English 'rasen', from Old French 'raser', from Latin 'rasus', past participle of 'radere' (to scrape, shave, erase).

Historical Usage:

The term has been used since the Middle Ages to describe the act of destroying or eradicating settlements or structures.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Raze to the ground"

Explanation:

Used to emphasize the complete destruction of a building or settlement.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing 'raze' with 'raise'.

Explanation:

'Raze' means to completely destroy, while 'raise' means to elevate or lift something up. They are often mistakenly interchanged due to their similar pronunciation.