preach down
C1 formal inseparable transitive
In simple words
To try to get people to reject or look down on something by giving strong, preachy speeches against it.
Literal meaning: Preaching in a downward direction — literally talking from a raised pulpit down to the congregation, extended to mean using that authority to condemn.
Meanings
1 C1
idiomatic
formal
To attack or suppress something by means of preaching, moralising speeches, or persistent condemnation.
"The reformers tried to preach down gambling and alcohol consumption in the towns."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Somewhat archaic. Originally used in religious contexts — a preacher using the pulpit to condemn certain practices or groups. Now occasionally used in broader contexts to criticise anyone who uses moralising rhetoric to suppress opposition. Rare in everyday speech.
Commonly used with
sin vice opposition dissent clergy morality
Forms
Base
preach down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
preaches down
he/she/it
Past simple
preached down
yesterday
Past participle
preached down
have + pp
-ing form
preaching down
continuous
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Synonyms
condemn denounce rail against decry inveigh against
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