Kathairesis denotes tearing down or destruction, whether of strongholds and arguments or in contrast to building people up.

The attested use centers on tearing down: 2 Corinthians 10:4 places the noun with the destruction of strongholds and the tearing down of arguments, while 2 Corinthians 10:8 and 2 Corinthians 13:10 contrast it with authority given for building up.

1. Tearing down in contrast to building up · dominant

   All three occurrences use the accusative singular feminine form. In 2 Corinthians 10:4 the APB renders the clause with “the destruction of strongholds” and “tear down arguments”; in 2 Corinthians 10:8 and 2 Corinthians 13:10 it presents tearing down or destroying as the opposite of building up under the stated authority.

   2 Corinthians 10:42 Corinthians 10:82 Corinthians 13:10

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB varies among “destruction,” “destroying,” and “tearing down.” These render the verses' overall contrast rather than establishing separate meanings.