# face down

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/face-down
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to defeat someone by being brave and refusing to back away. You use this when you stay strong until the other person gives up.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "She faced down to the opponent." but "She faced down the opponent." — The verb is transitive and takes a direct object without the preposition 'to'.

## Usage notes

- 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'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.