takedown

or take-down

[ teyk-doun ]

adjective

1. made or constructed so as to be easily dismantled or disassembled.
2. Finance. takeout ( def 8 ).

noun

1. the act of taking down.
2. a firearm designed to be swiftly disassembled or assembled.
3. the point of separation of two or more of the parts of a takedown firearm or other device.
4. Informal. the act of being humbled.
5. Wrestling. a move or series of maneuvers that succeeds in bringing a standing opponent down onto the mat.
6. Finance. takeout ( def 5 ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of takedown¹

First recorded in 1890–95; adj., noun use of verb phrase take down

Example Sentences

As Trump said in his takedown of Ukraine President Zelensky, “you don’t have the cards.”

From Salon

To top it off, the seemingly invincible wrestler from Minnesota, Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson, lost in the championship on a takedown in the last 30 seconds.

From Los Angeles Times

Sheinbaum has launched a security offensive that has seen the arrest of hundreds of suspected drug smugglers and producers, the takedowns of numerous clandestine labs, and record seizures of fentanyl and other drugs.

From Los Angeles Times

The film, about a crew chosen to colonize a new planet as Earth teeters on habitability, is packed to the gills with scathing takedowns of fascism and how its proponents advocate for the socioeconomic divide.

From Salon

The Birmingham fighter's bright start was snuffed out by Brady, with Edwards giving up position on the ground and shooting for his own ill-advised takedown at one stage.

From BBC

Related Words

• appraisal
• assessment
• comment
• commentary
• criticism
• editorial
• examination
• judgment