burn down

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Thân thiện
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

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