Definition of raze

The origin of the word "raze" can be traced back to the Old French "raser," meaning "to shave" or "to scrape." The word initially entered the English language in the 14th century, where it was spelled "rasen" and meant "to shave closely" or "to scrape clean." Over time, the meaning of "raze" began to evolve, particularly in the context of construction. By the 16th century, "raze" was being used to refer to the act of tearing down a building or structure, typically in order to clear a site for a new construction project. This sense of the word has persisted to this day, with "raze" still being used to describe the process of demolishing a structure. In some dialects of English, "raze" has also taken on a figurative meaning, used to describe the act of destroying or eliminating something completely, as in the phrase "to raze a dispute to the ground." Interestingly, the spelling of the word "raze" has undergone some changes over time. In the early 17th century, "raze" was typically spelled "rasen," while by the end of that century, it was more commonly spelled as "raiz" or "raizes." Today, the preferred spelling is "raze," although some people still use variations like "raise" or "reaze." In summary, the word "raze" originated in Old French as a verb meaning "to shave" or "to scrape," and as it made its way into the English language, its meaning gradually evolved to refer to the demolition of a building or the complete elimination of something. The spelling of the word has also undergone some changes over time, but "raze" remains a commonly used word in the English language today.