1 B1 neutral
To put something down onto a surface with great force, usually out of anger or frustration.
"She slammed down the phone after the argument and burst into tears."
separable
slam down
B1 neutral separable transitive
To put something down with great force and noise, usually expressing anger or strong emotion.
In plain English
To put something down very hard and loudly, often because you are angry.
What does "slam down" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To shut something (such as a door or hatch) forcefully downward.
"He slammed down the lid of the laptop and stormed out of the room."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To slam (hit hard) something in a downward direction — fully literal.
Actually means
To put something down very hard and loudly, often because you are angry.
Usage tip
Very commonly used with 'phone' (slamming the phone down after a call) and 'fist'. The action almost always signals anger, frustration, or a desire to intimidate. Also used in theatre and fiction for dramatic effect.
Words that pair with "slam down"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
phone fist glass book papers keys
How to conjugate "slam down"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
slam down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
slams down
he/she/it
Past simple
slamed down
yesterday
Past participle
slamed down
have + pp
-ing form
slaming down
continuous
Hear "slam down" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "slam down" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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