Tear down Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈtɛɹ/, /ˈtɪɹ/ /ˈdaʊn

TAIR-down

UK

teə/ /dˈaʊn

TAIR-down

Definition

To completely destroy or remove a building or structure, often so that something new can be built. It can also mean to criticize someone or something in a harsh way.

Usage & Nuances

Informal and common in both literal (about buildings) and figurative (about criticism) contexts. Collocates with 'building', 'wall', 'old house', 'argument'. Not the same as 'break down' (which often means malfunction or emotional collapse).

• Spanish: demoler - derribar - destruir
• Portuguese (BR): demolir - derrubar - destruir
• Portuguese (PT): demolir - deitar abaixo - destruir
• Chinese (Simplified): 拆除 - 拆毁
• Chinese (Traditional): 拆除 - 拆毀
• Hindi: गिराना - ढाह देना
• Arabic: يهدم - يزيل
• Bengali: ভেঙে ফেলা - সমালোচনা করা
• Russian: снести - раскритиковать
• Japanese: 取り壊す - 酷評する
• Vietnamese: phá dỡ - chỉ trích
• Korean: 철거하다 - 헐뜯다
• Turkish: yıkmak - eleştirmek
• Urdu: گرا دینا - سخت تنقید کرنا
• Indonesian: merobohkan - mengkritik dengan keras

Example Sentences

They will tear down the old school next month.

basic

The workers tore down the wall safely.

basic

We need to tear down this old shed.

basic

Don’t let anyone tear down your confidence.

natural

They’re planning to tear down the old mall and build apartments.

natural

The coach never tried to tear down his players after a loss.

natural