The phrase “to bring down” is a phrasal verb that can have several meanings depending on the context, but generally it refers to causing something or someone to fall, decrease, or diminish in status, power, value, or position. It is commonly used when describing actions that result in reducing someone’s authority, causing a decline in something’s effectiveness, or physically making something fall or collapse. The expression can also be used metaphorically, for instance, when talking about “bringing down a regime” or “bringing down prices.”
Example Sentences
- The scandal brought down the company’s stock price significantly.
- The workers’ protest aimed to bring down the corrupt government officials.
- The storm was strong enough to bring down several trees in the area.
- The sudden loss of funding could bring down the entire project.
- His actions were intended to bring down his political rival.
- The military operation succeeded in bringing down the enemy’s defenses.
- They were able to bring down the costs by negotiating better deals with suppliers.
- The negotiations helped bring down the price of the product.
- The failure of key leadership could bring down the organization’s success.
- The hackers were able to bring down the website with a massive cyberattack.
Synonyms
- Defeat
- Diminish
- Lower
- Reduce
- Topple
- Overthrow
- Decrease
- Collapse
- Weaken
- Subdue
Antonyms
- Raise
- Increase
- Uplift
- Enhance
- Strengthen
- Promote
- Boost
- Elevate
- Improve
- Empower
Related Words
- Decline
- Collapse
- Fall
- Loss
- Downturn
- Diminution
- Overthrow
- Downfall
- Reduction
- Setback
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Take down: To physically or metaphorically dismantle or bring something down, similar to bring down.
- Knock down: To physically destroy or bring something down by force.
- Tear down: To destroy or dismantle, especially used in the context of buildings or structures.
- Bring about: To cause something to happen, especially a change or result, often leading to a bringing down effect.
- Bring to its knees: To cause a person, organization, or system to be severely weakened or humbled, similar to bringing down.
Idiomatic Expressions
- Take the wind out of someone’s sails: To reduce someone’s confidence or strength, akin to bringing down their mood or position.
- Bring someone down a peg: To humble or reduce someone’s arrogance or status, similar to bringing down their ego.
- Knock someone off their pedestal: To bring someone down from a position of admiration or high regard, often metaphorically referring to their downfall.
- Throw cold water on something: To dampen or reduce enthusiasm, similar to bringing down excitement or momentum.
- Rain on someone’s parade: To spoil or reduce someone’s enjoyment or success, akin to bringing down their spirits or achievements.
The phrase “to bring down” is versatile, applicable in various contexts, both literal and metaphorical. Whether referring to the physical act of causing something to fall or collapse, or the metaphorical reduction of someone’s status, power, or success, it implies a decrease or loss. The synonyms for bring down encompass actions related to lowering, weakening, and reducing, while the antonyms highlight the opposite ideas of raising, improving, or strengthening. The related phrasal verbs and idiomatic expressions further illustrate the diverse ways in which this action can manifest, from physical destruction to emotional or social diminishment.