How Do You Spell HOWL DOWN?

Pronunciation: [hˈa͡ʊl dˈa͡ʊn] (IPA)

The spelling of the phrase "howl down" utilizes the IPA phonetic transcription to accurately represent its pronunciation. The word "howl" contains the phonetic symbol /aʊ/, which represents the diphthong sound of "ow" in the English language. The addition of "down" follows the phonetic symbol /daʊn/, where the "ow" sound is present once again. When combined, "howl down" creates a unique sound that represents the act of shouting down someone or something with a long, mournful cry akin to that of a wolf's howl.

HOWL DOWN Meaning and Definition

1. Howl down is a phrasal verb that refers to the act of loudly and repeatedly expressing disapproval towards someone or something, typically during a public event or gathering. The term "howl" in this context signifies the loud, prolonged, and often aggressive vocalization of disapproval or dissent. The verb "down" emphasizes the object being affected, as in being overwhelmed or silenced by the collective disapproval.

   When a person or a public speaker is howled down, it means that they are subjected to a barrage of loud and vocal disapproval from a crowd or audience. This disapproval is often expressed through a chorus of boos, jeers, shouts, and other vocalizations of dissent. The purpose of howling someone down is to drown out their voice, making it difficult for them to be heard or continue speaking. It is a form of protest or resistance used by a group to vehemently disagree with the views or opinions expressed by an individual or to reject ideas being presented.

   Howling someone down can be seen as a means of exerting power or control over the discourse, where the collective voice of the audience aims to dominate and suppress the voice of the speaker. However, it can also be viewed as an infringement upon the freedom of expression and the right to be heard. The practice of howling down has been an element of public debates, political rallies, and contentious gatherings throughout history, often when there is a strong disagreement or ideological clash between the speaker and the audience.

Etymology of HOWL DOWN

The phrase "howl down" consists of two parts: "howl" and "down".

The word "howl" originated from the Old English word "hūlan", which meant to produce a long, loud sound like a wolf. It is likely derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*hulianą". Over time, the meaning evolved to include the loud, prolonged cries or wails made by various animals or humans.

The term "down" comes from the Old English word "dūn", derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*dūnaz", which meant hill or mound. It has since expanded its meaning to include a downward direction or motion.

When combined, "howl down" refers to a situation where people or a crowd produce loud and sustained shouting or disapproval, as if imitating the sound of howling animals.

Idioms with the word HOWL DOWN

• howl down To shout or boo loudly in order to drown out a speaker or performer.

Conjugate verb Howl down

CONDITIONAL

I would howl down

you would howl down

he/she/it would howl down

we would howl down

they would howl down

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

I would be howling down

you would be howling down

he/she/it would be howling down

we would be howling down

they would be howling down

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have howl down

you would have howl down

he/she/it would have howl down

we would have howl down

they would have howl down

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I would have been howling down

you would have been howling down

he/she/it would have been howling down

we would have been howling down

they would have been howling down

FUTURE

I will howl down

you will howl down

he/she/it will howl down

we will howl down

they will howl down

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be howling down

you will be howling down

he/she/it will be howling down

we will be howling down

they will be howling down

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have howled down

you will have howled down

he/she/it will have howled down

we will have howled down

they will have howled down

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been howling down

you will have been howling down

he/she/it will have been howling down

we will have been howling down

they will have been howling down

IMPERATIVE

you howl down

we let´s howl down

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to howl down

PAST

I howled down

you howled down

he/she/it howled down

we howled down

they howled down

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was howling down

you were howling down

he/she/it was howling down

we were howling down

they were howling down

PAST PARTICIPLE

howled down

PAST PERFECT

I had howled down

you had howled down

he/she/it had howled down

we had howled down

they had howled down

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been howling down

you had been howling down

he/she/it had been howling down

we had been howling down

they had been howling down

PRESENT

I howl down

you howl down

he/she/it howls down

we howl down

they howl down

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am howling down

you are howling down

he/she/it is howling down

we are howling down

they are howling down

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

howling down

PRESENT PERFECT

I have howled down

you have howled down

he/she/it has howled down

we have howled down

they have howled down

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been howling down

you have been howling down

he/she/it has been howling down

we have been howling down

they have been howling down