1 bulldoze | Definition of bulldoze

bulldoze

verb
bull·​doze | \ ˈbu̇l-ˌdōz also ˈbəl- How to pronounce bulldoze (audio) \
bulldozed; bulldozing; bulldozes

Definition of bulldoze

transitive verb

1 : to coerce or restrain by threats : bully
2 : to move, clear, gouge out, or level off by pushing with or as if with a bulldozer
3 : to force insensitively or ruthlessly

intransitive verb

1 : to operate a bulldozer
2 : to force one's way like a bulldozer

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Choose the Right Synonym for bulldoze

intimidate, cow, bulldoze, bully, browbeat mean to frighten into submission. intimidate implies inducing fear or a sense of inferiority into another. intimidated by so many other bright freshmen cow implies reduction to a state where the spirit is broken or all courage is lost. not at all cowed by the odds against making it in show business bulldoze implies an intimidating or an overcoming of resistance usually by urgings, demands, or threats. bulldozed the city council into approving the plan bully implies intimidation through threats, insults, or aggressive behavior. bullied into giving up their lunch money browbeat implies a cowing through arrogant, scornful, or contemptuous treatment. browbeat the witness into a contradiction

Examples of bulldoze in a Sentence

The crew is bulldozing the trees. They bulldozed a road through the hills. The governor bulldozed the law through the legislature.
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Recent Examples on the Web

The hill and crosses were bulldozed by Soviets three times, but locals kept rebuilding it. Caitlin Morton, Condé Nast Traveler, "Creepy Catacombs, Islands of Dolls, and 18 Other Terrifying Places for Thrill Seekers," 4 Sep. 2019 As is the case with numerous other Google purchases in Sunnyvale, this campus could be bulldozed and replaced with much larger modern office buildings. George Avalos, The Mercury News, "Google widens Sunnyvale holdings with big property purchase," 3 Sep. 2019 The Aggies failed to punch the ball in on a couple of tries with Brown leading the way, and Corbin finally shoved A&M to a 14-0 lead with a 1-yard touchdown run away from the bulldozing Brown. Brent Zwerneman, Houston Chronicle, "Aggies roll past Texas State in opener, No. 1 Clemson next," 29 Aug. 2019 The home where Yummy once lived has been bulldozed, like other vacant homes in the neighborhood. Madeline Buckley, chicagotribune.com, "11-year-old ‘Yummy’ Sandifer was on the run for killing a teenage girl. Then he was killed by his own gang in a Chicago story that shocked the nation 25 years ago.," 29 Aug. 2019 Old homes and businesses around the center have been bulldozed over the past few years in favor of glitzy apartment buildings and trendy shops. Obed Manuel, Dallas News, "West Dallas’ beloved Bataan Community Center will undergo repairs and remain open — for now," 16 Aug. 2019 His compost mass, which stood on a property adjacent to Dundon’s home that was owned by Mountain View Cemetery, was bulldozed on April 20, 2005. Los Angeles Times, "Tim Dundon, ‘Guru of Doo Doo,’ whose compost nourished Altadena’s gardens, dies at 77," 6 Aug. 2019 Motherhood has also taught me that my job is not to bulldoze a path for them in an effort to eliminate all possible adversity. Julyssa Lopez, Glamour, "Meghan Markle’s Interview With Michelle Obama for British Vogue Is So Powerful," 29 July 2019 Linebacker Troy Brown met him at the goal line, but Jefferson bulldozed him to score. Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press, "Michigan State RB La'Darius Jefferson showed flashes, needs to grow," 25 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'bulldoze.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of bulldoze

1876, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

History and Etymology for bulldoze

perhaps from bull entry 1 + alteration of dose

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More Definitions for bulldoze

bulldoze

verb

English Language Learners Definition of bulldoze

: to use a bulldozer to move, destroy, or knock down (something)
: to create (something, such as a road) by using a bulldozer
: to force (something that others might not want to happen) to be done or accepted in an aggressive or harsh way

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More from Merriam-Webster on bulldoze

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with bulldoze

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for bulldoze

Spanish Central: Translation of bulldoze

Nglish: Translation of bulldoze for Spanish Speakers