Phrasal verb
face down
Definition
phrasal verb. to defeat someone by being brave and refusing to back away. You use this when you stay strong until the other person gives up.
phrasal verb. to overcome or intimidate an opponent by maintaining a bold or determined attitude. This transitive phrasal verb implies a psychological victory where the subject's resolve causes the object to yield.
Examples
“The captain faces down the angry crowd.”
“After the manager accused him of lying, Mark faced him down until the manager finally apologized for the mistake.”
“The young activist had to face down a phalanx of riot police, standing her ground with a quiet dignity that eventually captured the attention of the global media.”
Examples
simple
“The captain faces down the angry crowd.”
contextual
“After the manager accused him of lying, Mark faced him down until the manager finally apologized for the mistake.”
complex
“The young activist had to face down a phalanx of riot police, standing her ground with a quiet dignity that eventually captured the attention of the global media.”
Usage
This verb is often used in political or competitive contexts where one person must show more courage than another.
Teaching tip
Focus on the visual of 'staring' someone until they look away, which helps explain the 'face' part of the verb and its connection to 'stare down'.
Pitfall
She faced down to the opponent.
She faced down the opponent.
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object without the preposition 'to'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
down
Separability
optional
Pattern
face + down + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/face-down