Phrasal verb
bring down
To bring down means to cause something or someone to fall, be reduced, or be defeated.
Meanings
To cause something to fall to the ground or to stop working by force.
To reduce the level, amount, or intensity of something.
To defeat or remove a powerful person or organization from power or success.
Definition
Bring down is a common phrasal verb with a few everyday meanings. It can mean to make something fall or crash, to reduce a level or amount, or to defeat a person or government. The exact meaning depends on the object and the situation.
Examples
- The storm brought down several power lines last night.
- I brought down the heat because the room felt too warm.
- They brought down the champion in the final round.
- She brought down her stress by taking a long walk after work.
Common mistake
Learners often use "bring down" when they mean "bring (something) downstairs"; use "bring down" for reducing or causing a fall, not for moving location in a building.
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.