# kick down

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/kick-down
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to kick something hard so it falls or opens — often used for doors or barriers.

For teachers: to strike with the foot to cause something to collapse or open; transitive, typically used with physical objects like doors or walls.

## Examples

- The soldier kicked down the locked door.
- During the protest, activists kicked down the barricade to enter the building.
- The storm kicked down the old oak tree, leaving the garden in ruins.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He kicked the door down." but "He kicked down the door." — 'kick down' is inseparable; separating the particle changes the meaning to 'kick the door' (as in a gesture) rather than 'kick down the door' (as in breaking it open).

## Usage notes

- followed by a physical object that is being struck or forced open.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'kick in' (breaking something with a kick) — 'kick down' emphasizes the direction of force (downward) and the result (collapse or opening).

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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.