step-down

[ step-doun ]

adjective

, Electricity.

1. serving to reduce or decrease voltage:

   a step-down transformer.

step down

verb

1. tr to reduce gradually
2. informal.
   intr to resign or abdicate (from a position)
3. informal.
   intr to assume an inferior or less senior position

adjective

1. (of a transformer) reducing a high voltage applied to the primary winding to a lower voltage on the secondary winding Compare step up
2. decreasing or falling by stages

noun

1. informal.
   a decrease in quantity or size

Word History and Origins

Origin of step-down¹

First recorded in 1890–95; adj. use of verb phrase step down

Example Sentences

Mr Welby announced last Tuesday that he would step down from the role after a review found he "could and should" have reported a prolific child abuser to police.

From BBC

Zoe Ball has announced she is stepping down as presenter of Radio 2's Breakfast Show in December.

From BBC

Having succeeded Mark Drakeford in March - becoming Wales' first black first minister - Vaughan Gething stepped down in July following controversy over donations to his campaign.

From BBC

But Mr Dorsey is no longer part of the team behind it, having stepped down from the board in May 2024.

From BBC

Earlier this week, Lineker announced he will step down from the show at the end of this season after 25 years as host.

From BBC

Related Words

• abandon
• abdicate
• bow out
• drop out
• leave
• quit
• retire
• terminate