tears down

VERB

demolish, raze

Synonyms

WEAK

annihilate bulldoze crush decimate devastate devour dilapidate disassemble dismantle flatten knock down level obliterate pulverize ruin smash take apart total trash wipe off the map wreck

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It’s the softness that falls across Clooney’s face in this scene that tears down the wall between Jay Kelly and George Clooney.

From Salon • Oct. 2, 2025

“I would never want to promote anything that tears down a group of people in our great game.“

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2024

“This settlement shatters that glass and tears down that wall — $35 out-of-pocket, when you need it.”

From Seattle Times • Feb. 7, 2024

Sandy Munro, head of Michigan-based Munro & Associates, which tears down vehicles and advises automakers on how to improve them, said the Model Y battery pack has "zero repairability."

From Reuters • Mar. 20, 2023

A chapter of his life comes to a close, Atticus tears down the old house and builds a new one in a new section of town.

From "Go Set a Watchman: A Novel" by Harper Lee