burn down
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To cause (a structure) to burn to nothing.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
The police are hoping to find the people who burned down the cottage.
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).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To burn completely, so that nothing remains.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
Meaning · English
To kill (someone), especially by shooting; to attack (someone).
Register: slang
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “burn down” mean?
To cause (a structure) to burn to nothing.
Is “burn down” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.