bulldoze

American  

[bool-dohz] / ˈbʊlˌdoʊz /

verb (used with object)

bulldozed, bulldozing

1. to clear, level, or reshape the contours of (land) by or as if by using a bulldozer.

   to bulldoze a building site.

2. to clear away by or as if by using a bulldozer.

   to bulldoze trees from a site.

3. to coerce or intimidate, as with threats.

   Synonyms:

   dragoon, hector, bully, cow, browbeat

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verb (used without object)

bulldozed, bulldozing

1. to use a bulldozer.

   to clear this rubble away we may have to bulldoze.

2. to advance or force one's way in the manner of a bulldozer.

bulldoze British  

/ ˈbʊlˌdəʊz /

verb

1. to move, demolish, flatten, etc, with a bulldozer

2. informal to force; push

   he bulldozed his way through the crowd

3. informal to intimidate or coerce

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Usage

What does bulldoze mean? To bulldoze is to clear, level, or push debris away from an area using a bulldozer—a large tractor that has a big, blade-like shovel at the front and moves around using metal tracks over wheels.Sometimes, bulldoze can mean to clear an area in this way even if a bulldozer isn’t used.Bulldoze can also be used figuratively, meaning to move forward or advance in an aggressive or forceful way. This can be physical, as in He just bulldozed his way to the goal by pushing through three defenders, or through an aggressive attitude, as in Instead of cooperating with his colleagues, he just bulldozes his way through tasks until he gets what he wants. This sense of the word likens such behavior to the way that a bulldozer powerfully clears everything in its path.However, before its association with the construction vehicle, bulldoze originally meant to intimidate, such as with threats of violence. Early records of this use refer to violent attacks, especially whipping, against African Americans by white people in the Southern United States. However, the origin of these words, and how bulldozer came to be a name for a type of tractor, is ultimately unclear.The verb doze can be used as a short way of saying bulldoze, as in We need to doze this whole area or She dozes through every obstacle that’s put in her way.

Etymology

Origin of bulldoze

1875–80, origin uncertain; the notion that it represents a verb use of bull dose, i.e., a dose fit for a bull, is probably without merit; bulldoze defs. 1, 2, 4, 5 are back formations from bulldozer in the sense “tractor”

Example Sentences

Both are likely to bulldoze the box office this side of Christmas, both are new instalments of previous best picture nominees, and both have colons in their titles.

From BBC • Sep. 20, 2025

"They said you need to pack it up or they are going to bulldoze it. They didn't come for talking, it was go, go, go," Mr Theodie said.

From BBC • Aug. 16, 2025

When federal agents moved in to remove the last occupiers in 1971, officials had plans to bulldoze the entire thing.

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2025

Cantona, 58, also criticised Ratcliffe's plans to bulldoze Old Trafford in favour of a new ground instead of redeveloping their spiritual home.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2025

Ainsley plows up the steps, looking for someone else to bulldoze with her cello case.

From "Shine!" by J.J. and Chris Grabenstein

Related Words

• flatten
• raze
• shove