1 B2 neutral
To dismantle a machine or object completely, usually for maintenance, repair, or inspection.
"He stripped down the engine completely and rebuilt it from scratch."
separable
strip down
B2 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
To dismantle a machine to its basic parts, or to remove most or all of one's clothing.
In plain English
To take apart a machine completely, or to take off most of your clothes.
What does "strip down" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To remove most or all of one's clothing.
"The doctor asked him to strip down to his waist for the examination."
3 B2 idiomatic neutral
To reduce something to its most fundamental or essential form.
"We need to strip down our business model and focus on what really works."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To strip (remove) everything downward to the base level.
Actually means
To take apart a machine completely, or to take off most of your clothes.
Usage tip
In mechanical contexts, 'strip down' means a thorough disassembly for cleaning or repair. For clothing, it often implies removing clothes completely or to underwear, typically in a medical or practical context. Can also mean simplifying something to essentials.
Words that pair with "strip down"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
engine machine weapon rifle car essentials
How to conjugate "strip down"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
strip down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
strips down
he/she/it
Past simple
striped down
yesterday
Past participle
striped down
have + pp
-ing form
striping down
continuous
Hear "strip down" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "strip down" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "strip down"
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Keep exploring
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