démolissons

Démolissons is the first-person plural imperative form of the French verb démolir, meaning “let us demolish.” It is used to propose a collective action or to urge a group to undertake demolition or removal, and it can appear in both spoken and written contexts. The same spelling, démolissons, also corresponds to the present indicative form for the subject "nous" (“we demolish”), which can lead to ambiguity that is resolved by context.

Etymology and origin: démolir derives from Latin demolere, composed of de- (down, away) and molere (to grind or crush). The prefix de- indicates undoing or removal, while the root conveys destruction or breaking apart. Over time, the word entered French with senses related to destroying, tearing down, or dismantling structures or objects.

Usage and nuances: Démolissons is most commonly encountered in imperative or exhortative contexts, including political or social rhetoric, planning discussions about construction or demolition, or call-and-response statements. It is generally not used as a noun or standalone term; it functions as a verb form within a larger sentence or as a stand-alone exclamation in slogans or chants. In everyday speech, the imperative form shifts in tone according to context, ranging from practical planning to emphatic rallying cries.

Conjugation note: The imperative forms of démolir include démolis (tu), démolissons (nous), and démolissez (vous). The form démolissons serves both as the inclusive imperative and as the present indicative for “nous,” so context is essential to interpret meaning.

See also: démolir, conjugation of French verbs, imperative mood, French grammar.