Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To completely destroy a structure or object by setting it on fire.
2. Verb (intransitive):
   • To be consumed or destroyed by fire; to be reduced to ashes or a ruin by burning.

Usage

• The transitive form (burn down [something]) focuses on the action of causing the destruction.
  • Example: The angry mob threatened to burn down the courthouse.
• The intransitive form ([something] burns down) focuses on the event or process of the structure being destroyed.
  • Example: The old factory burned down last night.

Examples

• Transitive use:
  • Vandals burned down the historic library.
  • The settlers were forced to burn down their own crops to prevent them from falling into enemy hands.
• Intransitive use:
  • The wooden cabin burned down in less than an hour.
  • If a forest burns down, it can take decades to recover.

Advanced Usage

• Figurative Use: Can be used metaphorically to describe intense emotion or a powerful, destructive process.
  • Her anger burned down every bridge of communication between them. (Metaphorically destroyed)
  • The scandal burned down his political career. (Completely ruined)

Variants and Related Words

• Burn (verb): The general term for being on fire or damaging with fire. "Burn down" implies total destruction.
• Burn up (verb): Often means to be completely consumed by flames (similar), but can also mean to destroy by burning (e.g., documents) or, idiomatically, to be very angry.
• Arson (noun): The criminal act of deliberately setting fire to property.
• Fire (noun/verb): A more general term for combustion or the act of discharging a weapon.

Synonyms

• Destroy by fire: Incinerate, raze, reduce to ashes.
• Be destroyed by fire: Be razed, go up in flames, be consumed.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Burn out: 1. To stop functioning because of overheating (e.g., ). 2. To become exhausted from overwork (e.g., ).
• Burn up: 1. To be completely consumed by fire. 2. (Informal) To make someone very angry (e.g., ).

Related Idioms

• Go up in smoke/flames: To be destroyed by fire; to fail completely.
  • Their business plans went up in smoke after the market crash.
• Fight fire with fire: To use similar methods to those used against you.
  • The company decided to fight fire with fire and launch a competing product.

Verb

1. destroy by fire
   • They burned the house and his diaries
2. burn completely; be consumed or destroyed by fire
   • The hut burned down
   • The mountain of paper went up in flames