cut down

verb

cut down; cutting down; cuts down

transitive verb

1

a

: to strike down and kill or incapacitate

b

: knock down

2

a

: to remodel by removing extras or unwanted furnishings and fittings

b

: to remake in a smaller size

intransitive verb

: to reduce or curtail volume or activity

cut down on smoking

Phrases

cut down to size

: to reduce from an inflated or exaggerated importance to true or suitable stature

Examples of cut down in a Sentence

we need to cut down that dying tree

Recent Examples on the Web

Closet bins and drawer separators Placing like-items in matching bins and creating compartments in drawers with dividers can help to cut down on visual clutter and achieve a cohesive look. —Christina Pérez, Vogue, 19 Dec. 2024

Salt Box and Shabu are among six local spots that took part in an exploratory program to evaluate the viability of using reusable to-go packaging to help cut down on single-use containers. —AFAR Media, 19 Dec. 2024

The technology also significantly cuts down on image speckling, which can be a problem with UST laser projectors. —New Atlas, 19 Dec. 2024

His arrest came as part of an effort to cut down espionage, sabotage and collusion in the aftermath of the attack on Pearl Harbor. —Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1571, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Kids Definition

cut down

verb

1

: to knock down and kill or wound

2

: to make over in a smaller size

3

: to reduce something in amount

cut down on energy use

Medical Definition

cutdown

noun

cut·​down ˈkət-ˌdau̇n 

: incision of a superficial blood vessel (as a vein) to facilitate insertion of a catheter (as for administration of fluids)