thrashing

noun

thrash·​ing ˈthra-shiŋ How to pronounce thrashing (audio)
plural thrashings
Synonyms of thrashingnext
1
: a severe beating or flogging
If a poacher was taken he was given a thrashing as well as being prosecuted with its consequent jail sentence.W. Mostyn Thomas
"They called her a little blue ragamuffin, father," said Harry, who ran in looking very angry. "But I have given it to them. They won't insult my sister again. I have given them a thrashing they will remember."Anna Sewell
2
: a dominating defeat of an opponent
… after going 6-5 on a tough road trip that concluded with 9-2 and 12-4 thrashings of the Giants last weekend, they were 57-41 …Phil Taylor

Examples of thrashing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Stevenson played his best game in the Pats’ regular-season finale, a 38-10 thrashing of Miami. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 5 Feb. 2026 And, the 56-22 CFP semifinal Peach Bowl thrashing of Oregon began with Ponds’ interception return for a touchdown on the first play from scrimmage. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 19 Jan. 2026 Last season’s 56-7 thrashing of former college football power Nebraska. Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2026 The 61-point win was UT's most-lopsided victory in a Big 12 or SEC game, besting a 90-39 thrashing of Texas Tech in 2018. Danny Davis, Austin American Statesman, 9 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for thrashing

Word History

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of thrashing was in 1799

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Cite this Entry

“Thrashing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thrashing. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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