downshift

[ doun-shift ]
/ ˈdaʊnˌʃɪft /

verb (used without object)

to shift an automotive transmission or vehicle into a lower gear.
to become less active; slow down: The economy seems to be downshifting.

verb (used with object)

to shift (an automotive transmission or vehicle) into a lower gear.

noun

an act or instance of downshifting.

QUIZZES

CHALLENGE YOURSELF WITH THESE WORDS FROM "LITTLE WOMEN"

"Little Women" may be a classic, but that doesn't mean we all know the meanings of the vocab words from the book. Can you define these words correctly and make Jo proud?
Question 1 of 10
earnest
full seriousness, as of intention or purpose.
a feeling of dread, anxiety, or anguish.
urgent character; imperativeness; insistence; importunateness.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of downshift

First recorded in 1950–55; down1 + shift

Words nearby downshift

downriver, downs, downs, the, downscale, downscale , downshift, downshifting, downside, downsize, downslide, downspin
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

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