What are the definitions of “kick down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Break something with your feet.
The police KICKED the door DOWN.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “kick down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb kick down is to break or force something open using your feet, usually a door or a barrier. This action is often done with force and can be associated with aggression or urgency.
What are the different verb forms of “kick down”?
| Root Verb | kick down |
| Third Person Singular Present | kicks down |
| Present Participle | kicking down |
| Simple Past | kicked down |
| Past Participle | kicked down |
Example
He tried to kick down the door when he heard the screams inside.
Example
She kicks down the old fence to make room for the new one.
Example
The firefighters are kicking down the door to save the trapped people.
Example
The police kicked down the door during the raid.
Example
The door had been kicked down by the burglars.
What kind of phrasal verb is “kick down”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“kick down” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
He kicked down the door to enter the room.
Example
She kicked the fence down to make space for the new one.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“kick down” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
He kicked down the door to enter the room.
Example
She kicked the fence down to make space for the new one.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “kick down”?
Kick down a barrier
Overcome an obstacle or challenge, either physically or metaphorically.
Example
She kicked down the barriers that were holding her back from success.
Kick down the door
Forcefully enter a room or building by breaking the door with your feet.
Example
The police kicked down the door to arrest the suspect.
Kick down a wall
Break a wall or partition using your feet, often to create more space or change the layout of a room.
Example
They kicked down the wall to create an open-concept living area.
Good things to know
Does “kick down” have an informal or formal tone?
Kick down is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as news reports or official documents, depending on the specific context.
