tear down — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 different jobs. Tap a meaning to jump to it — then lock each one in by saying it out loud.

phrasal verb2 meanings

1 demolish (a building or structure)To completely destroy or remove a building or structure, usually so that something else can be built in its place.
2 criticize harshlyTo strongly criticize someone or something, often in a way that makes them feel less confident or respected.

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Ordered by how often you'll hear each one — the meaning tells you what it does, the examples and tips show it in use.

demolish (a building or structure)

B1tear down sthMost common

To completely destroy or remove a building or structure, usually so that something else can be built in its place.

They decided to tear down the old cinema to make room for a new shopping center.

A: What happened to that building on Main Street?
B: Oh, they tore it down last week. They're going to build apartments there.

If I could change something in my city, I would tear down the abandoned factories and replace them with parks.

Common mistake

✗They want to tear down it.

✓They want to tear it down.

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

Tell it apart

They tore down the wall.

demolished it

They tore up the contract.

ripped it to pieces

Use 'tear down' when talking about removing whole buildings, not small objects.'Tear down' is about removing something big like a house, while 'break down' can mean something stops working.

Often paired with

tear down + structure

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criticize harshly

B2tear down sthspokeninformal

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

Instead of supporting her, he always tries to tear down her ideas in meetings.

A: I thought my presentation went well, but my boss just tore me down in front of everyone.
B: That’s really unfair. Don’t let it get to you.

Some people believe that teachers should encourage students rather than tear them down for making mistakes.

Common mistake

✗He tore down me in front of everyone.

✓He tore me down in front of everyone.

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

Tell it apart

Don't tear people down.

belittle / criticise them

Don't tear down the building.

demolish it — sense

This sense is about saying negative things, not physically destroying something.'Tear down' (criticize) is about words and feelings, not buildings.

Often paired with

tear down + person

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demolish (a building or structure)criticize harshly