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suck down

B2 informal separable both
In simple words

Drink something through suction, or be pulled down into something like water.

Literal meaning: To suck (draw by suction) something downward — the natural image of liquid being drawn downward.

Meanings

1 B1 informal

To drink something quickly by sucking or swallowing in large gulps.

"The kids sucked down their milkshakes before the car even reached the end of the street."

Grammar: separable
2 B2 neutral

To pull something or someone downward beneath a surface through suction or a powerful current.

"The riptide sucked the swimmer down before he could call for help."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Can be literal (drinking enthusiastically through a straw) or describe the force of a current pulling something underwater. Less common than related phrasal verbs. Also used informally to mean drinking something quickly.

Commonly used with

drink current water whirlpool smoothie

Forms

Base
suck down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sucks down
he/she/it
Past simple
sucked down
yesterday
Past participle
sucked down
have + pp
-ing form
sucking down
continuous

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