1.
to kick down, to kick off
To physically kick someone or something and knock them down or off a surface.
敵を蹴落とした。
I kicked the enemy down.
階段から蹴落とされた。
I was kicked down the stairs.
馬から蹴落とされた。
I was kicked off the horse.
2.
to push aside, to defeat (competitors)
To outcompete or defeat rivals in a competitive situation, often with implications of ruthlessness.
ライバルを蹴落として昇進した。
He got promoted by pushing his rivals aside.
競争相手を蹴落とす。
Defeat the competition.
人を蹴落としてまで成功したくない。
I don't want to succeed by stepping on others.
WORD FORMATION:
蹴る (to kick) + 落とす (to drop, knock down)
VERB CONJUGATION:
Godan verb with す ending
- 蹴落とす (dictionary form)
- 蹴落として (te-form)
- 蹴落とされる (passive)
FIGURATIVE USAGE:
Sense 2 is common in competitive contexts (business, politics, sports) and often carries negative connotations of ruthless competition or unethical behavior.
RELATED TERMS:
- 蹴る: to kick
- 落とす: to drop, knock down
- 追い落とす: to oust, drive out
- 押しのける: to push aside