bulldoze

[ bool-dohz ]

verb (used with object)

, bull·dozed, bull·doz·ing.

1. to clear, level, or reshape the contours of (land) by or as if by using a bulldozer:

   to bulldoze a building site.

2. to clear away by or as if by using a bulldozer:

   to bulldoze trees from a site.

3. to coerce or intimidate, as with threats.

   Synonyms: dragoon, hector, bully, cow, browbeat

verb (used without object)

, bull·dozed, bull·doz·ing.

1. to use a bulldozer:

   to clear this rubble away we may have to bulldoze.

2. to advance or force one's way in the manner of a bulldozer.

bulldoze

/ ˈbʊlˌdəʊz /

verb

1. to move, demolish, flatten, etc, with a bulldozer
2. informal.
   to force; push

   he bulldozed his way through the crowd

3. informal.
   to intimidate or coerce

Word History and Origins

Origin of bulldoze¹

1875–80, Americanism; origin uncertain; the notion that it represents a verb use of bull dose, i.e., a dose fit for a bull, is probably without merit; bulldoze defs 1, 2, 4, 5 are back formations from bulldozer in the sense “tractor”

Word History and Origins

Origin of bulldoze¹

C19: probably from bull ¹+ dose

Example Sentences

They declared triumphantly they would bulldoze other Western-imposed borders as well.

From The Daily Beast

Nevertheless, he warns, “I am afraid that some of our military heavyweights may bulldoze their way to stop the talks.”

From The Daily Beast

In vain they tried to bulldoze and cajole, to push and to pull, to plead with and to denounce the obstinate Nancy Jane.

From Project Gutenberg

No call to bulldoze a fellow just because you happened to be first on the spot!

From Project Gutenberg

Then it required another half hour for the three to bulldoze McGregor into accepting it.

From Project Gutenberg

But he knew Christopher Straight too well to attempt to bulldoze that hard-eyed old woodsman.

From Project Gutenberg

An attempt to bulldoze a young government man into believing that the taking of logs without payment was permissible.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• flatten
• raze
• shove