break down the door of the house.

[keannu]

Source : Junior Reading Expert, level 2, - 39p, B4

The firefighter tried to break down the door of the house.

What does "break down" mean here? Does it mean "smash" or "destroy"?

 

[GoesStation]

The firefighter hit the door with a fire axe or a hammer until it fell into the building.

 

[teechar]

Does it mean "smash"

Yes, such that it allowed access into the house.

 

[emsr2d2]

Context is important, though. We use "break down" in several different ways. In the context you gave, yes, it means to damage/smash it enough to give the firefighters access to the house.

 

[Tarheel]

The firefighter tried to break down the door of the house.

I probably wouldn't use "tried" there. Do you know why?