Meaning trap

tear down

criticize harshly

To strongly criticize someone or something, often in a way that makes them feel less confident or respected.

phrasal verbB2occasional

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

criticize harshly

To strongly criticize someone or something, often in a way that makes them feel less confident or respected.

tear down (demolish (a building or structure))

Another meaning of 'tear down' is 'demolish (a building or structure)'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

Instead of supporting her, he always tries to tear down her ideas in meetings.communication
Some people believe that teachers should encourage students rather than tear them down for making mistakes.IELTS speaking

Pattern: tear down [object/person]

WrongHe tore down me in front of everyone.

RightHe tore me down in front of everyone.

With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle: 'tear me down'.

Patterntear down [object/person]

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff He persistently disparaged her achievements.

Natural He's always tearing her down.

'Tear someone down' is the punchy spoken verb for cutting someone down; 'disparage' is formal.

Words that usually travel with it.

'Tear down' (criticize) is about words and feelings, not buildings.

tear down (demolish (a building or structure)) — Another meaning of 'tear down' is 'demolish (a building or structure)'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.