takedown

1 of 3

noun

take·​down ˈtāk-ˌdau̇n 

1

: the action or an act of taking down

2

: something (such as a rifle) having takedown construction

takedown

2 of 3

adjective

take·​down ˈtāk-ˈdau̇n 

: constructed so as to be readily taken apart

a takedown rifle

take down

3 of 3

verb

took down; taken down; taking down; takes down

transitive verb

1

: to lower without removing

took down his pants

2

a

: to pull to pieces

take down a building

b

: disassemble

take a rifle down

3

: to lower the spirit or vanity of

4

a

: to write down

took down some notes

b

: to record by mechanical means

intransitive verb

: to become seized or attacked especially by illness

Synonyms

Verb

• abase
• chasten
• cheapen
• debase
• degrade
• demean
• discredit
• disgrace
• dishonor
• foul
• humble
• humiliate
• lower
• shame
• sink
• smirch

Examples of takedown in a Sentence

Verb

there's no need to take us down by making fun of our clothes

electricians will take down all the lights for the set after the play has finished its run

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

OpenAI is already receiving pushback from users on X and its own developer forum regarding the takedown of Sky. —Rachyl Jones, Fortune, 20 May 2024

In a fiery, profanity-laden takedown of Trump, actor and staunch Trump critic Robert De Niro also invoked O'Donnell on Tuesday's episode of The View, where O'Donnell served as moderator and cohost on seasons 10 and 18. —Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 15 May 2024

Adjective

With Kirby on bottom in the second period and the match scoreless, Lillard conceded an escape point before coming back with a takedown 38 seconds later. —Tim Bielik, cleveland, 13 Mar. 2022

Bungie continued: In other words, as far as YouTube is concerned, any person, anywhere in the world, can issue takedown notices on behalf of any rights holder, anywhere. —Jon Brodkin, Ars Technica, 28 Mar. 2022

Verb

Zapata was one of 18 suspects arrested when federal law enforcement took down their main target, Oswaldo Espinosa, who was among the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) most wanted fugitives. —Fox News, 23 May 2024

The Florida Panthers have already taken down in-state rival Tampa Bay Lightning and the Boston Bruins in the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 18 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1858, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1893, in the meaning defined above

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Kids Definition

takedown

1 of 2 noun

take·​down

ˈtāk-ˌdau̇n

: the action or an act of taking down

takedown

ˌtāk-ˌdau̇n

adjective

take down

2 of 2 verb

(ˈ)tāk-ˈdau̇n

1

a

: to pull to pieces

b

: disassemble

2

: to lower the spirit or pride of : humble

3

: to write down or record by mechanical means