Tear down

verb

To destroy a large structure.

The city decided to tear down the old building to make room for a park.
Visual representation of "tear down" - To destroy a large structure

Often appears as...

  • tear down a wall
  • tear down a building
verb

To criticize or belittle someone severely.

He tore down his opponent with harsh words during the debate.
Visual representation of "tear down" - To criticize or belittle someone severely

Often appears as...

  • tear down someone's argument
  • tear down someone's reputation

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Colloquial

verb

To deconstruct or disassemble.

The mechanic tore down the engine to find the problem.
Visual representation of "tear down" - To deconstruct or disassemble

Often appears as...

  • tear down a machine
  • tear down an engine

Usage tips

Technical

verb

To destroy a large structure.

The city decided to tear down the old building to make room for a park.
Visual representation of "tear down" - To destroy a large structure

Often appears as...

  • tear down a wall
  • tear down a building
verb

To criticize or belittle someone severely.

He tore down his opponent with harsh words during the debate.
Visual representation of "tear down" - To criticize or belittle someone severely

Often appears as...

  • tear down someone's argument
  • tear down someone's reputation

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Colloquial

verb

To deconstruct or disassemble.

The mechanic tore down the engine to find the problem.
Visual representation of "tear down" - To deconstruct or disassemble

Often appears as...

  • tear down a machine
  • tear down an engine

Usage tips

Technical

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "tear down"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Physical Structures

Used when large, physical structures like buildings are completely removed.

Illustration for Physical Structures
They plan to tear down the stadium next year.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Urban Development

Common in contexts of urban planning where outdated buildings are removed.

Illustration for Urban Development
To modernize the district, they will tear down several old warehouses.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Historical Sensitivity

May stir emotions if used about buildings with historical value.

Illustration for Historical Sensitivity
Activists protested the decision to tear down the heritage site.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Physical Structures

Used when large, physical structures like buildings are completely removed.

Illustration for Physical Structures
They plan to tear down the stadium next year.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Urban Development

Common in contexts of urban planning where outdated buildings are removed.

Illustration for Urban Development
To modernize the district, they will tear down several old warehouses.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Historical Sensitivity

May stir emotions if used about buildings with historical value.

Illustration for Historical Sensitivity
Activists protested the decision to tear down the heritage site.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Physical Structures

Used when large, physical structures like buildings are completely removed.

Illustration for Physical Structures
They plan to tear down the stadium next year.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Urban Development

Common in contexts of urban planning where outdated buildings are removed.

Illustration for Urban Development
To modernize the district, they will tear down several old warehouses.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Historical Sensitivity

May stir emotions if used about buildings with historical value.

Illustration for Historical Sensitivity
Activists protested the decision to tear down the heritage site.
Visual representation of the word "Tear down"

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