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tears down

[/tɛrz daʊn/]
verb
derruba
1. to demolish or destroy a building or structure
The city tears down old buildings to make room for new development.
A cidade derruba edifícios antigos para dar espaço ao novo desenvolvimento.
2. to criticize or attack someone's argument or credibility
He tears down his opponent's theory with solid evidence.
Ele derruba a teoria do seu oponente com evidências sólidas.
3. to disassemble or take apart something
The mechanic tears down the engine to inspect all the parts.
O mecânico desmonta o motor para inspecionar todas as peças.
NYC Slang
tears it down - similar construction but different meaning (to do something well or impressively)
Synonyms
demolishesdestroysdismantlesdisassemblescriticizesrefutes
Antonyms
builds upconstructsassemblessupportsdefends

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
derruba
most common usage across Brazil
São Paulo
derruba
standard usage
Rio de Janeiro
derruba
standard usage
Portugal
derruba / destrói
both terms are acceptable

Related Idioms & Phrases

tear down the house - to perform exceptionally well
tear down barriers - to remove obstacles or discrimination
tear down walls - to break through emotional or social barriers
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