tear down
/ˌtɛr ˈdaʊn/
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Type
Phrasal verb
Meaning
To completely demolish or take apart a structure or building.
The city plans to tear down the abandoned warehouse next month.
To harshly criticize or undermine someone or something to lessen their value or reputation.
Critics constantly tear down new ideas before giving them a chance to work.
She refused to let jealous colleagues tear her down in public.
How it's used
Both orders mean the same thing.
- tear down the building
- tear the building down
it and them go in the middle: “tear it down.” Not “tear down it.”
Crews will tear down the damaged bridge next week.
Collocations
- tear down a building
- tear down a wall
- tear down barriers
- tear down an opponent