raze

verb

razed; razing

transitive verb

1
: to destroy to the ground : demolish
raze an old building
2
a
: to scrape, cut, or shave off
b
archaic : erase
razer noun

Examples of raze in a Sentence

an entire city block razed by a terrible fire the developer razed the old school building and built a high-rise condominium complex
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As of 2023, the houses had been razed but nothing had been built on the land. Mackenzie Farkus, Christian Science Monitor, 23 Apr. 2025 The earth has been razed bare as a result of deforestation, which has also weakened the soil layers that were washed away during the rainy season. Gwendolina Duval, Vogue, 22 Apr. 2025 The sixth emperor of the famed Mughal dynasty, he is considered by many detractors to be a tyrant who brutalized women, razed Hindu temples, forced religious conversions and waged wars against Hindu and Sikh rulers. Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 18 Apr. 2025 Here, Florida is also a family member, a character both challenging and adored, and Strong evocatively wrangles its polarities: the forces razing the wilds for developments of McMansions, which stand in stark contrast to the sprawling ocean, the gators, even the vultures. Jen Doll, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for raze

Word History

Etymology

alteration of rase

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of raze was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Raze.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/raze. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

raze

verb
razed; razing
: to destroy completely by knocking down or breaking to pieces : demolish
razed the building

More from Merriam-Webster on raze

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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