bring down
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
to make a leader or a government lose their position of power.
to cause the downfall or removal of a government, leader, or institution.
Simple“The scandal was enough to bring down the entire government.”
In context“A series of sustained protests and economic failures eventually served to bring down the long-standing military regime.”
UsageSeparable; the object can sit between 'bring' and 'down'.
- 02 B1 Intermediate
to lower the level, price, or amount of something.
to cause a reduction in quantity, price, or intensity.
Simple“The shop is trying to bring down prices to attract more customers.”
In context“The central bank implemented new policies intended to bring down the rate of inflation before the end of the fiscal year.”
UsageSeparable; frequently used with prices, costs, or levels.
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
to make someone feel unhappy or depressed.
to cause someone to experience a decline in mood or spirits.
Simple“I was having a great day until that phone call brought me down.”
In context“It was a beautiful wedding, but the best man's tragic story really brought everyone down during the speeches.”
UsageSeparable; almost always takes a person as the direct object.
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
to cause someone or something to fall to the ground.
to cause a person, animal, or object to fall, often by force or by using a weapon.
Simple“The defender managed to bring down the striker just outside the box.”
In context“The anti-aircraft battery was able to bring down the enemy drone before it reached the city limits.”
UsageSeparable; common in sports contexts like football or rugby.
Synonyms
contrast with the literal sense of lowering an object; in this figurative sense, it is often used in news and political discourse to describe a forced loss of power.