Razed

The past tense and past participle of the verb 'raze'. 'Raze' means to completely destroy a building, town, or other structure so that it is flat to the ground. This often implies a deliberate act of demolition, leaving no trace of the original structure. The destruction can be due to various causes, including war, natural disasters, or intentional acts of destruction for urban planning, removing undesirable elements, or making way for something new. When something is 'razed', it is often done with the intention of removing it completely. In essence, razing implies absolute and final destruction.

Razed meaning with examples

• The ancient city, once a bustling center of trade, was razed by the invading army. Scorched earth tactics left no stone unturned, erasing centuries of history in a single, brutal campaign. The memories of it's people, their homes, their lives were utterly destroyed to ensure the enemy's control would be unchallenged for many years to come.
• After the devastating earthquake, the damaged buildings were razed to the ground for safety reasons. The city’s skyline had changed forever as it prepared to rebuild with the new strict safety regulations. The rebuilding process began quickly after the removal of the hazardous ruins as they searched the grounds to find the dead.
• The old shopping center, deemed economically unviable, was razed to make way for a new apartment complex. The demolition was swift and complete, clearing the space for modern construction that the city officials felt would be beneficial to the communities. The neighborhood changed dramatically as the demolition made way for a revitalized area.
• The protestors demanded the old, controversial statue be razed, citing its problematic representation of the past. With tensions running high, the city council debated the fate of the sculpture, the city itself was left unsure on how the fate would be decided. The decision would have far-reaching consequences.
• The construction company announced that several historical structures would be razed to make way for the new highway. Preservationists and environmentalists protested the decision fiercely, arguing for the importance of preserving the historic architecture as well as the effects on the environment. The debate ultimately did not change the course of the construction.