call down
Low-midFormal / Military
Definition
Meaning
To reprimand, criticize, or blame someone, often in a formal or forceful manner.
To invoke or bring about something (like divine punishment or a curse) on someone; in military use, to request an airstrike or artillery fire on a target.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a phrasal verb. The reprimand sense is somewhat dated or formal. The military sense is highly specialized and technical.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both senses are understood in both varieties, but the 'reprimand' sense is now quite formal/archaic, used similarly. The military sense is identical.
Connotations
In civilian use, carries a connotation of severe, formal censure from a superior, potentially archaic. No significant difference between UK/US.
Frequency
Very low frequency in contemporary general English. Slightly more likely to be encountered in historical texts, military fiction, or technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to call down [NOUN PHRASE (e.g., a curse)] on [SOMEBODY/SOMETHING]to call down [SOMEBODY (e.g., the manager)] for [GERUND/NOUN PHRASE (e.g., being late)]to call down [ARTILLERY/AIRSTRIKE]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “call down the thunder (threaten severe consequences)”
- “call down the wrath of God”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. 'The director called him down for the security breach.' (formal reprimand).
Academic
Rare, except in historical/religious studies re: invoking divine power.
Everyday
Very rare for reprimand; mostly understood via related idiom 'called on the carpet'.
Technical
Common in military jargon: 'The forward observer will call down artillery on the enemy position.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The headmaster called down the prefects for their lack of discipline.
- The chaplain called down a blessing upon the congregation.
American English
- The sergeant was called down by the lieutenant for the messy barracks.
- The platoon leader called down an airstrike on the bunker.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- (Not typically introduced at A2)
- The teacher called him down for talking in class. (reprimand)
- In the ancient tale, the priestess called down a plague upon the invaders.
- He was called down to headquarters to explain his actions.
- The general did not hesitate to call down the full force of the law on dissenters.
- As forward air controller, her job was to accurately call down close air support.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a boss CALLing a subordinate DOWNstairs to their office to reprimand them. Or, a priest CALLing DOWN a curse from the heavens.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRITICISM IS A FORCE FROM ABOVE (from a higher authority/power descending onto a target).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'звонить вниз' (бессмысленно).
- В значении 'ругать' часто переводится как 'отчитать', 'сделать выговор', а не 'звать' или 'называть'.
- В военном значении — 'наводить огонь' или 'вызывать огонь (артиллерии/авиации)'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it to mean 'shout downwards' (literal error).
- Confusing with 'call off' (cancel).
- Using the reprimand sense in casual speech where 'tell off' or 'scold' is more natural.
Practice
Quiz
In a military context, what does 'call down' most likely mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's quite formal and somewhat dated. Words like 'tell off', 'scold', or 'reprimand' are more common in everyday speech.
Very rarely. It can be used to 'call down a blessing', but this is archaic or literary. The overwhelming modern use is negative (criticism) or technical (military).
'Call out' means to publicly challenge or expose someone's wrongdoing, often in a social/media context. 'Call down' implies a reprimand from a position of authority or invoking something (like a curse) from above.
Yes, it's standard NATO/international military jargon for requesting indirect fire (artillery, airstrikes).