Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Bulldozed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🚜
Add to dictionary

bulldozed

[ˈbʊl.doʊzd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

moving earth

To bulldoze means to clear a path or surface by using a bulldozer, often involving the removal of obstacles or earth. It can also refer to forcefully pushing someone to act or decide, typically in a coercive manner. This term is commonly used in construction and civil engineering.

Synonyms

clear, demolish, flatten.

Examples of usage

  • They bulldozed the old building to make way for a new shopping center.
  • The government bulldozed its way through the legislation.
  • After heavy rains, the team bulldozed the mudslide off the road.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In movies and television, a character who 'bulldozes' through conversations often represents a dominant personality, like a boss or a bully.
  • The phrase is commonly used in political contexts, especially when discussing forceful legislation or authoritative decisions.
  • Many famous film scenes feature characters being 'bulldozed' by strong personalities, emphasizing themes of conflict and resolution.

Psychology

  • Being 'bulldozed' can lead to feelings of frustration or helplessness in social interactions.
  • This behavior often reflects a particular personality type known for dominance in conversations or group settings.
  • Studies show that assertiveness and communication skills are essential to prevent being bulldozed in discussions.

Construction and Engineering

  • Bulldozers are integral to large-scale construction, providing efficient earth-moving capabilities.
  • The engineering design of bulldozers allows for pushing heavy materials, establishing their importance in various infrastructures.
  • Besides construction, bulldozing techniques are utilized in agriculture for land preparation.

Sports

  • In various sports, athletes can be described as 'bulldozing' through opponents, highlighting their strength and dominance.
  • Team strategies may involve 'bulldozing' the competition, focusing on overpowering tactics to win.
  • The term emphasizes the blend of skill and physicality, drawing parallels between sports and bulldozing in personality dynamics.

Origin of 'bulldozed'

Main points about word origin

  • The term originates from the 19th century, combining 'bull' and 'doze,' where 'doze' means to push or move.
  • Initially, it referred to the action of moving dirt and rubble, as bulldozers became common in construction.
  • The metaphorical use of 'bulldoze' to describe overpowering someone's will or opinion emerged in American English.

The term 'bulldoze' originated from the early 20th century, specifically around the 1930s in the United States. It is derived from the word 'bulldozer', which has its roots in the combination of 'bull', likely referring to the strength or force involved, and 'dozer', derived from the act of pushing or moving earth. Over time, 'bulldoze' has evolved to encompass not only the physical act of moving earth but also metaphorically to describe intense persuasion or coercion in various contexts. The term has been prevalent in both construction and political discourse, emphasizing the forcefulness inherent in its usage.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,578 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.