bulldoze
B2informal
Definition
Meaning
To use a bulldozer to clear or level land by force; to demolish or flatten something.
To force, intimidate, or coerce someone into doing something; to proceed with something in an insensitive, aggressive, or determined manner without regard for obstacles or opposition.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb's core meaning is literally linked to the machine. The metaphorical extension (to force/coerce) is very common and often implies overcoming resistance through sheer force of will or disregard for niceties.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The core meaning is identical. American English may see slightly higher frequency in political/procedural contexts ('to bulldoze a bill through Congress').
Connotations
Generally negative when applied to people, implying insensitivity and force. Can be positive in contexts requiring determined action ('bulldoze through bureaucracy').
Frequency
Similar frequency in both varieties; the metaphorical use is prevalent in all contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] bulldozes [Object] (The developer bulldozed the old warehouse).[Subject] bulldozes [Object] [Adverbial] (They bulldozed the proposal through committee).[Subject] bulldozes [Object] into [V-ing] (She bulldozed him into accepting the deal).Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to bulldoze your way into something”
- “to meet a bulldozer mentality”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Common in management contexts describing aggressive tactics to implement change or close deals.
Academic
Rare in formal academic writing; may appear in political science or sociology describing policy implementation.
Everyday
Used for describing someone who is being very pushy or insensitive, or literally for construction/land clearing.
Technical
Primarily used in construction, engineering, and urban planning for the literal act.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The council plans to bulldoze the derelict cinema to make way for a car park.
- He just bulldozed his way into the meeting without an invitation.
- She has a tendency to bulldoze through others' suggestions in team discussions.
American English
- They bulldozed the old farmhouse to build a subdivision.
- The senator tried to bulldoze the legislation through before the recess.
- Don't let him bulldoze you into a decision you're not ready for.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The big machine will bulldoze the old wall.
- The new manager tried to bulldoze his ideas without listening to the team.
- Despite local opposition, the company bulldozed ahead with its controversial construction plans.
- The authoritarian regime bulldozed through constitutional amendments, effectively silencing all legislative dissent.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BULL pushing with great force and a DOZER (bulldozer) flattening everything. The word combines both images: to act with the force and lack of subtlety of a bulldozer.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARGUMENT/OPPOSITION IS A PHYSICAL OBSTACLE; FORCEFUL ACTION IS DEMOLITION/CLEARING.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'бульдозер' (the machine) only; the verb's main use is often metaphorical ('продавливать', 'проталкивать силой').
- Avoid calquing structure like 'бульдозить его' for 'to bulldoze him'; better: 'силой заставить его', 'продавить его'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a noun (incorrect: 'He is a bulldoze'; correct: 'He is a bulldozer' or 'He has a bulldoze approach').
- Confusing 'bulldoze' (verb) with 'bulldozer' (noun).
- Overusing the metaphorical sense in formal writing.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'bulldoze' in its most common metaphorical sense?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, its most frequent use in conversation is metaphorical, meaning to force or coerce someone or something insensitively.
Yes, though less common. It can imply admirable determination, e.g., 'She bulldozed through all the red tape to get the project approved.'
They are very close synonyms in their metaphorical sense. 'Steamroller' might imply even more crushing, overwhelming force, while 'bulldoze' can imply clearing obstacles out of the way.
The direct noun is 'bulldozer' (the machine or a person who acts forcefully). The action is 'bulldozing'.