burn down
The term "burn down" often describes the complete destruction of a structure by fire, whether accidental or intentional.
Definition
B2General
(common)To be completely destroyed by fire, leaving nothing behind.
Example
- The old warehouse burned down last night.
- Their house burned down due to a faulty electrical wire.
B2General
(common)To set a structure on fire intentionally, causing its complete destruction.
Example
- Arsonists burned down the abandoned building.
- They threatened to burn down the barn if their demands were not met.
B2General
(common)To gradually decrease in intensity or size, typically referring to a fire.
Example
- We watched the campfire burn down to embers.
- The candle slowly burned down over the evening.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "burn down":
burn upburn awayblaze downtear downburn inblow downgo up in flamesburn outburn offset on firebring downbreak downknock downburn the roofcut downcatch firechop downtake firemake downrun downgo downtake downdump and burnmelt downbring down onmow downbin fireshoot downscorch upcontrolled burnblaze upbeat downput downthrow downburnt outfeel the burnblow outbust downbroken downtear it upboil downgo up in smokedraw fireblow upfall downdamp downflame upbook burning