Definition

1. Verb (Intransitive):

   • To become less hot; to decrease in temperature: The process of something losing heat and becoming cooler.
   • To become less intense, excited, or angry; to become calmer: The process of emotions, enthusiasm, or activity diminishing.

2. Verb (Transitive):

   • To cause something to become less hot; to lower the temperature of something: The action of removing heat from an object or substance.
   • To cause someone to become less intense, excited, or angry; to calm someone: The action of reducing the intensity of a person's emotions or behavior.

Examples of Usage

• Verb (Intransitive):

  • After running, it's important to cool down slowly by walking. (To become less hot)
  • Wait for the engine to cool down before you check the oil. (To decrease in temperature)
  • His anger will cool down once he has time to think. (To become less intense/angry)
  • The market speculation has started to cool down after the initial frenzy. (To become less intense/active)

• Verb (Transitive):

  • She used a fan to cool down the room. (To cause to become less hot)
  • Please cool this soup down before serving it to the children. (To lower the temperature of)
  • A walk outside helped cool him down after the argument. (To cause to become calmer)
  • The coach's talk was meant to cool down the overexcited players. (To reduce the intensity of someone's excitement)

Advanced Usage

• "Cooling-down period": A designated time for activity or emotions to subside.
  • The contract includes a 30-day cooling-down period for cancellations.
• In fitness, "cool down" is a standard noun phrase for the exercises done after a workout to gradually lower the heart rate.
  • Stretching is an essential part of your cool down.

Variants and Related Words

• Cool (verb/adjective): The base form. As a verb, it means to make or become cool. As an adjective, it means moderately cold or calm.
  • The evening breeze cooled the city. He remained cool under pressure.
• Cooler (noun): A container for keeping things cool.
• Coolant (noun): A fluid used to cool an engine or system.

Synonyms

• Chill: To make or become cold. (Often implies a sharper cold than "cool down").
• Refrigerate: To cool or freeze food for preservation. (More technical/formal).
• Calm down: To become or make tranquil. (Specifically for emotions, a very close synonym).
• Subside: To become less intense or active. (For intensity/activity).

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Cool off: Very similar to "cool down," often used interchangeably, especially for emotions and temperature.
  • Let's go for a swim to cool off. He needs some time to cool off.

Related Idioms

• Cool your heels: To be forced to wait.
  • I had to cool my heels in the waiting room for an hour.
• Keep your cool: To remain calm and composed.
  • Despite the pressure, she managed to keep her cool.

Verb

1. loose heat
   • The air cooled considerably after the thunderstorm
2. lose intensity
   • His enthusiasm cooled considerably
3. make cool or cooler
   • Chill the food