shoot down
attack from below
Shoot down has both literal and figurative applications.
In its concrete sense, it means to bring down an aircraft or other flying object by gunfire or missiles: The fighter jet was shot down over enemy territory.
More commonly in everyday speech, shoot down means to reject or dismiss something decisively, especially an idea, proposal, or suggestion: Every solution I offered got shot down immediately.
The phrase implies a swift, forceful rejection rather than a gentle decline.
Disprove by argument
- refuteProve something untrue
- discreditHarm another's reputation
- debunkExpose as false
- disproveProve something untrue
challenge · contradict · invalidate · counterargument · fact-check · expose · undermine · demolish
Official refusal to approve
block · overrule · disallow · rebuff · spurn · quash · squash · thwart
rebut
Disprove by argument
disprove · challenge · contradict · invalidate · counterargument · fact-check · expose · undermine · demolish · dismantle
veto
Official refusal to approve
deny · block · overrule · disallow · rebuff · spurn · quash · squash · thwart · kill
intercept
Seize en route
- antiaircraftGround-to-sky weaponry
- flakIntense hostile reaction
- missileSelf-guided airborne weapon
fighter · bomber · dogfight · radar · lock-on · evasion · maneuver · scramble · sortie · squadron
brush off
Dismissive rejection of someone
trivialize · minimize · discount · disregard · ridicule · mock · deride · snub · pooh-pooh · cold water
shoot downlaunch
Set into motion
defend · protect · lift off · take off · get airborne
down, shot, shoot, shooting, shoots, shooter, sharpshooter, shootout, reshoot