tear down
The phrase "tear down" can refer to both the physical act of demolition and the figurative act of severe criticism or devaluation.
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Definition
B2Construction
(common)To demolish a structure completely.
Example
- They decided to tear down the old building to make space for a new park.
C1Mechanical
(technical)To disassemble something, often for repair or examination.
Example
- The mechanic had to tear down the engine to find the problem.
C1Social
(figurative)To criticize or devalue someone or something harshly.
Example
- The article aimed to tear down the politician's reputation.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "tear down":
tear it uptear offknock downtear upburn downtear aparttear awaybreak downtake downrip uptake apartbring downtear atblow downrip outchop downmake downrip intobring down ontore uptear alongshoot downthrow downbreak apartbroken downmow downcut downblow apartrip to shredsknock overfall apartstrip downcome apartstrike down