English · Phrasal verb Attested

beat down

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see beat, down.

Where it’s used: Used American English

The transmission tower was beaten down by the storm.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To forcefully diminish the power or influence of; to quell; to squash.

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

(of the sun) To shine brightly and radiate with intense heat.

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

What does “beat down” mean?

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see beat, down.

Is “beat down” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.