1 B1 neutral
To remove something from a wall or surface by pulling it off forcefully.
"Someone ripped down all the campaign posters overnight."
separable
rip down
B1 neutral separable transitive
To remove something from a wall or surface quickly and forcefully, or to demolish something.
In plain English
To take something off a wall or pull something down quickly and roughly.
What does "rip down" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
To demolish or destroy a structure.
"The developers ripped down the old theatre to build a car park."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To rip (tear) something in a downward motion so it comes down.
Actually means
To take something off a wall or pull something down quickly and roughly.
Usage tip
Often used for removing posters, signs, or notices. Also used for demolishing structures, though 'tear down' is more common in that context. Implies force and speed.
Words that pair with "rip down"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
poster sign banner curtain fence notice
How to conjugate "rip down"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
rip down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
rips down
he/she/it
Past simple
riped down
yesterday
Past participle
riped down
have + pp
-ing form
riping down
continuous
Hear "rip down" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "rip down" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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