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

'Demoler' 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

'Derribar' 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.