Demoler vs. derribar
In Spanish, demoler and derribar are two verbs that can both be translated as to demolish or to tear down, particularly in relation to buildings or structures. There are subtle differences between the two words, which can frequently be interchanged without altering the basic meaning of a sentence.
Demoler
B2Demoler is a verb that comes from the Latin dēmōlīrī. It specifically implies the act of tearing down a building, structure or figuratively, an argument or concept. It's mostly used in formal contexts.
El antiguo edificio fue demolido para construir un centro comercial.
(The old building was demolished to build a shopping center.)
El profesor demolió el argumento de su estudiante durante la clase.
(The professor demolished his student's argument during class.)
La ciudad tiene planes para demoler la vieja estación de tren.
(The city has plans to demolish the old train station.)
Derribar
B1Derribar is another verb that also translates to to tear down or to demolish. However, it can also imply overthrowing something with some force. It has a broader spectrum of usage but is often used as a synonym for demoler.
Los manifestantes quisieron derribar el gobierno actual.
(The protesters wanted to overthrow the current government.)
El constructor decidió derribar la pared para ampliar el espacio del salón.
(The builder decided to knock down the wall to enlarge the living room space.)
Summary
Demoler and derribar may both refer to the act of knocking down or destroying an object, but they are not always interchangeable. While demoler is more commonly used about structures, including buildings and concepts, derribar incorporates a greater variety of circumstances, alluding not only to demolishing structures but also knocking things over, even in a figurative sense such as overthrowing a government.