WEIGH DOWN

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does weigh down mean? 

• WEIGH DOWN (verb)
  The verb WEIGH DOWN has 2 senses:

1. be oppressive or disheartening to

2. exert a force with a heavy weight

  Familiarity information: WEIGH DOWN used as a verb is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• WEIGH DOWN (verb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Be oppressive or disheartening to

Classified under:

Verbs of feeling

Synonyms:

weigh down; weigh on

Hypernyms (to "weigh down" is one way to...):

sadden (make unhappy)

Sentence frame:

Something ----s somebody

Sentence example:

The bad news will weigh down him

Antonym:

lighten (make more cheerful)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Exert a force with a heavy weight

Classified under:

Verbs of touching, hitting, tying, digging

Synonyms:

bear down; bear down on; drag down; press down on; weigh down

Context example:

The snow bore down on the roof

Hypernyms (to "weigh down" is one way to...):

press (exert pressure or force to or upon)

Sentence frame:

Something ----s something

 Context examples 

The stranger walked heavily and with a measured stride, while the English knight advanced as briskly as though there was no iron shell to weigh down the freedom of his limbs.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

I am poor and lowly and all unworthy of you; but if great love may weigh down such defects, then mine may do it.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)