build down
C1 formal inseparable transitive
In simple words
To slowly make something smaller or less powerful, like reducing an army.
Meanings
1 C1 formal
To gradually reduce the size, strength, or number of something, particularly military forces.
"Both nations agreed to build down their nuclear arsenals over the next decade."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Chiefly used in political and military contexts, often in discussions about arms reduction or demilitarization. Rare in everyday speech. Formed by analogy with 'build up'.
Commonly used with
forces military arsenal defences stockpile troops
Forms
Base
build down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
builds down
he/she/it
Past simple
built down
yesterday
Past participle
built down
have + pp
-ing form
building down
continuous
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