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

His group started with 62 people, was cut down to the top 20; then the top 10. —Erik S. Hanley, Journal Sentinel, 21 June 2024

Others, including legislators and the Connecticut Hospital Association, wanted to streamline the application process by shortening timelines and cutting down the list of changes that require a certificate of need. —Katy Golvala, Hartford Courant, 18 June 2024

Despite that, there are plenty of good combos on the market that can make a big difference in cutting down the learning curve of using a baitcaster. —Max Inchausti, Field & Stream, 13 June 2024

Whittier planned to cut down more than 80 ficus trees. —Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 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)