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abattre
/a.batʁ/
to knock down
Le vent a abattu plusieurs arbres dans le parc.
The wind knocked down several trees in the park.
literal
to knock down or fell (e.g., a tree, wall)
Les bûcherons ont abattu tous les vieux chênes.
The lumberjacks felled all the old oaks.
Often used with physical objects like trees, buildings, or structures.
technical
to slaughter (an animal for meat)
Les vaches sont abattues dans un abattoir.
The cows are slaughtered in a slaughterhouse.
Refers specifically to the act of killing animals for consumption.
figurative
to depress or discourage (someone)
Cette nouvelle l’a profondément abattu.
This news deeply depressed him.
Used metaphorically to describe emotional states.
figurative
to bring down (e.g., a government, a person)
La révolte a abattu le dictateur.
The revolt brought down the dictator.
Common in political or social contexts.
Collocations
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Distinguish literal vs. figurative uses
In literal contexts, 'abattre' refers to physical destruction (e.g., trees, buildings). In figurative contexts, it describes emotional or social collapse.
Gold Rule
Conjugation note
The past participle 'abattu' is used in compound tenses (e.g., 'Il a été abattu par la nouvelle').
Word Origin
From Old French *abatre* (to strike down), from Latin *battuere* (to beat).
Usage Notes
The verb can be transitive or intransitive depending on context. In figurative uses, it often implies a sudden or forceful action.
Word Breakdown
a-
prefix indicating direction or intensification
prefix-battre
to beat or strike
rootDictionnaire Français-Anglais