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

Sandhagen’s leg was injured in the first round after a submission attempt from Sandhagen bounced back with a strong second frame, but a knockdown in the third and several takedowns gave Bautista the win in the worst fight of the night. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026

McGregor also attempted only four takedowns since that fight, which is one takedown attempt per three fights. — Brett Appley, New York Times, 11 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

Crew members of previous Super Bowl halftime shows have described the setup and take down as one of the most complicated parts of the production. — Jayna Bardahl, New York Times, 17 July 2026

The blue sign at the entrance that read ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ had been taken down. — Miami Herald, 16 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