bulldozer
UK: ˈbʊlˌdəʊzə | US: ˈbʊlˌdoʊzər
n. a heavy tractor with a broad vertical blade or plate for clearing land, pushing loose earth, or demolishing structures
n. (informal) a person or thing that overpowers or crushes opposition
The word "bulldozer" emerged in the late 19th century, originally referring to a person who intimidated others (like a "bull" charging). The term later applied to heavy machinery capable of forceful pushing ("doze" from dialectal "dose," meaning to push violently). The suffix "-er" denotes the machine's agency. The evolution reflects a shift from human brute force to mechanical power.
The bulldozer cleared the debris after the demolition.
Developers used bulldozers to flatten the terrain for construction.
(Figurative) The new law was a political bulldozer, ignoring public opposition.
The vintage bulldozer is displayed at the agricultural museum.
Environmentalists protested against bulldozers entering the protected forest.