verb
flatten
FLA-tuhn
verb
1
To make something flat or level.
"He flattened the dough with a rolling pin."
"The steamroller flattened the fresh asphalt."
2
To knock something or someone down completely.
"The storm flattened dozens of houses along the coast."
3
To press one's body against a surface, usually to hide or avoid something.
"She flattened herself against the wall as the car sped past."
How to Use Flatten
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo make something flat, or to knock it down so it becomes flat.
Common pairings
flatten the dough
flatten a building
flatten the curve
Word Forms
flattened past tense, flattens singular
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Etymology
From "flat" + the verb-forming suffix "-en."