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shootdown

shootdown

1 7.0
A strong public refusal of an idea or suggestion
  • noun
  • /ˈʃuːtdaʊn/
translation icon : rechazo
  • Her strong argument led to a complete shootdown of his unsubstantiated claims.

Examples

  • The committee's shootdown of the proposal shocked many members who had supported it.

  • The committee's quick shootdown of the proposal surprised everyone in the meeting.

  • After the public shootdown of his idea, he decided to revise his approach.

  • Her suggestion received an immediate shootdown from the rest of the team.

  • The committee's shootdown of the proposal surprised everyone.

  • Her idea received a swift shootdown from the board.

  • The team's shootdown of the suggested strategy left the client seeking alternatives.

Synonyms

pushback
vsshootdown
43 5.9

A negative reaction from people to a plan or change

is a single forceful public dismissal rather than broad ongoing resistance
takedown
vsshootdown
  • Offensive
11 7.7

A sharp remark that humiliates someone in an argument

targets and dismisses an idea publicly without focusing on personal humiliation
turndown
vsshootdown
3 4.6

A refusal of an offer or request

is a forceful public dismissal rather than a simple routine refusal
rebuff
vsshootdown
3 7.7

A sharp refusal of an offer or request

is a forceful public dismissal rather than an abrupt private refusal
teardown
vsshootdown
  • Literature
2 7.7

A very harsh review that strongly criticizes a book, film, or product

is a blunt public dismissal rather than an analytical critical review

Antonyms

161 3.6

A public statement supporting a person, product, or idea

104 2.7

Being approved or welcomed by other people

How Forceful

shootdown
1 7.0
debunking
5 5.6
rejection
180 3.0
criticism
512 3.0
objection
292 3.6

Surface Forms

shootdown singular
shootdowns plural

Morphology

shootdown = shoot + down (semi-transparent) = shoot + down

The figurative meaning 'to reject' is a metaphorical extension of the literal 'shoot down' phrasal verb and requires knowledge of that usage rather than simple combination of 'shoot' + 'down'.

Etymology

Shootdown comes from the parts shoot (to 'fire') and down (to 'bring down'). A helpful way to remember the first meaning is to imagine someone 'shooting down' an idea so it falls quickly, so it means a strong public 'rejection'.