clampdown
clampdown — noun
- clampdownsingular
- clampdownsplural
1. an occasion when authorities use their power to quickly and firmly prevent an ac
an occasion when authorities use their power to quickly and firmly prevent an activity they view as wrong or illegal, for example by introducing stricter rules or using force
The government announced a clampdown on illegal fishing in coastal waters.
clampdown + on + [activity]
After the protest, police launched a clampdown against street demonstrations.
clampdown + against + [group/action]
Neighbours welcomed the clampdown on noise from the nightclub.
The head teacher ordered a clampdown on students using phones during class.
Human rights groups criticised the clampdown on press freedom.
- crackdown
slightly less formal, more common in American English
- suppression
stronger, implies violence or oppression; more formal
- easing
loosening of restrictions, opposite direction of action
- liberalisation
removing restrictions rather than adding them
文法句型
clampdown + on + [activity/group]
用法筆記
Usually used with the preposition 'on' to specify the activity or group being restricted ('a clampdown on tax evasion'). Often appears with 'announced', 'launched', 'ordered', or 'criticised'. Singular form only — the plural 'clampdowns' is rare but possible when referring to separate instances across time or place.
常見錯誤
clampdown — verb
- clampdownpresent simple I / you / we / they
- clampdowns3rd person singular
- clampdowning-ing form
- clampdownedpast simple
1. to take strong, quick action to stop an activity that is not allowed, especially
to take strong, quick action to stop an activity that is not allowed, especially by introducing stricter rules or using force
The city council promised to clamp down on landlords who rent unsafe apartments.
clamp down + on + [target group]
Piotr clamped down hard after finding staff members stealing supplies.
Schools across the region are clamping down on bullying by introducing new reporting rules.
The tax office has clamped down on companies that pay workers under the table.
Amani urged the police to clamp down on the sale of fake medicine.
- crack down
more common in everyday speech, same meaning and structure
- come down hard on
informal, implies severity
- ease up on
to become less strict about something
文法句型
clamp down + on + [activity/group]
用法筆記
The verb is written as two words 'clamp down', not as one word like the noun 'clampdown'. It must be followed by 'on' + the target. Typically used in news reporting and formal announcements. The past tense is 'clamped down'.