Phrasal verb
tear down
Meanings
To demolish a building or destroy a structure.
To criticize someone or something severely; to attack their work or character with harsh comments.
To take something apart, especially a temporary structure or equipment, so it can be moved or stored.
Definition
To tear down means to destroy or remove a building or structure, or to criticize something strongly.
To tear down can mean to demolish a building or knock a structure apart. It can also mean to criticize someone or something harshly, especially in a way that damages confidence or reputation. In a third meaning, it can describe taking something apart so it can be moved, stored, or examined.
Examples
- They plan to tear down the old stadium next month.
- My manager tore down my presentation in front of the team.
- After the festival, we helped tear down the stage.
- I hate when people tear down artists just to get attention.
- She refused to tear down her colleague’s idea without offering a better option.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse "tear down" (demolish/criticize) with "tear up" (rip into pieces).
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.