Definition

Verb: * To descend or move downwards in a smooth, continuous, and often uncontrolled or heavy manner. It implies a loss of support, energy, or posture, resulting in a downward movement or collapse.

Usage

The verb "slide down" describes a downward motion where something or someone moves along a surface, often due to gravity or a lack of support. It frequently conveys a sense of weariness, defeat, or a gradual decline in position or state.

Examples

• Verb:
  • Exhausted, she let herself slide down the wall to sit on the floor.
  • The loose rock began to slide down the steep hillside.
  • His grades started to slide down after he missed several classes.

Advanced Usage

• "to slide down into": to move downwards and settle into a particular state or position, often one of relaxation or dejection.
  • He slid down into the armchair with a sigh of relief.

Variants and Related Words

• Slide (verb): to move smoothly along a surface. "Slide down" is a more specific phrasal verb indicating the direction.
• Slump (verb): to sit, lean, or fall heavily and limply. Often used interchangeably with "slide down" when referring to a person collapsing.
• Sink (verb): to descend or submerge, often into a softer material or a lower emotional state.

Synonyms

• Slump
• Sink
• Slip down
• Collapse
• Descend

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Slide down is itself a phrasal verb. A closely related form is:
  • Slide into: to gradually enter a negative state or condition.

    • It's easy to slide into bad habits during the holidays.

Verb

1. fall or sink heavily
   • He slumped onto the couch
   • My spirits sank