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

Recently, authorities in Nepal have enacted several new rules to help cut down on overcrowding and pollution on Everest. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Jan. 2025

The tech could cut down on controversial calls in matchups when inches can be all the difference. —Brian Cheung, NBC News, 30 Jan. 2025

The screen behind them had to be cut down to get through the door. —Wendy Goodman, Curbed, 28 Jan. 2025

Keep your phone’s operating system and security apps updated. To help cut down on scam messages and calls, the Federal Trade Commission recommends using filters or call-blocking apps. —Emily Wunderlich, Orlando Sentinel, 25 Jan. 2025

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)