step-down

American  

[step-doun] / ˈstɛpˌdaʊn /

adjective

Electricity.

1. serving to reduce or decrease voltage.

   a step-down transformer.

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step down British  

verb

1. (tr) to reduce gradually

2. informal  (intr) to resign or abdicate (from a position)

3. informal  (intr) to assume an inferior or less senior position

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adjective

1. (of a transformer) reducing a high voltage applied to the primary winding to a lower voltage on the secondary winding Compare step up

2. decreasing or falling by stages

noun

1. informal  a decrease in quantity or size

step down Idioms  

1. Resign from office, as in He threatened to step down if they continued to argue with him . [Late 1800s]

2. Reduce, especially in stages, as in They were stepping down the voltage . [c. 1900] Also see step up , def. 1.

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Etymology

Origin of step-down

First recorded in 1890–95; adj. use of verb phrase step down

Example Sentences

When announcing his step-down from public commitments earlier on Monday, he said he would continue his teaching commitments.

From BBC

The first choice, a step-down facility with enhanced services for those leaving locked care, was quickly ruled out.

From Los Angeles Times

Last year, among a series of funding packages, the NHS was given £200m to create "step-down" wards for those awaiting a care package to start or for home adaptions to be made.

From BBC

The treatment beds range from detox to step-down care for people leaving long-term care.

From Seattle Times

It was her fourth such stay, and the first one the county had agreed should be followed by a step-down program, she said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abandon
• abdicate
• bow out
• drop out
• leave
• quit
• retire
• terminate