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 of takedown

Verb

• humiliate
• discredit
• humble

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

The Atlas Lions are the lone African team left in the competition and are looking to stun the footballing world with a takedown blow of Didier Deschamps’ 2018 World Cup champions in this revenge match. — Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 9 July 2026

McGregor has not landed a single takedown in his past 11 fights. — Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

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

Since Triller relies on access to a catalog of popular music, the seemingly inevitable path of least resistance (and least takedown notices and lawsuits) will be making deals. — Tatiana Cirisano, Billboard, 18 Dec. 2020

Verb

The Merita bakery closed in 2012 and the iconic sign was taken down in 2014 and preserved by the Morse Museum of American Art in Winter Park. — Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2026

France took down Morocco 2-0 in the 2022 World Cup semifinals in Qatar. — Alex Connor, USA Today, 10 July 2026

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

Rhymes for takedown

• chinatown
• tumbledown
• adown
• blowdown
• breakdown
• countdown
• crackdown
• crosstown
• downtown
• drawdown
• dropdown
• facedown

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