drub

[druhb]

verb (used with object)

drubbed, drubbing 

1. to beat with a stick or the like; cudgel; flog; thrash.

2. to defeat decisively, as in a game or contest.

3. to drive as if by flogging.

   Latin grammar was drubbed into their heads.

4. to stamp (the feet).

noun

1. a blow with a stick or the like.

drub

/ drʌb /

verb

1. to beat as with a stick; cudgel; club

2. to defeat utterly, as in a contest

3. to drum or stamp (the feet)

4. to instil with force or repetition

   the master drubbed Latin into the boys

noun

1. a blow, as from a stick

Other Word Forms

• drubber noun
• undrubbed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of drub¹

1625–35; perhaps by uncertain mediation < Arabic ḍarb blow, beating

Word History and Origins

Origin of drub¹

C17: probably from Arabic dáraba to beat

Example Sentences

Charlotte Edwards has been England's head coach for six months, and she inherited a team drained of confidence after the 16-0 Ashes drubbing.

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The latest spiral started Sept. 7, when the Peronists drubbed Milei’s Freedom Advances party in local elections in Buenos Aires province.

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He won the Democratic Party’s nomination in a Senate run two years later, only to come in for a drubbing against Republican Sen. Rand Paul.

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If they give even the slightest hint that the Ashes drubbing is still lurking in their minds, Australia are ruthless and will pounce.

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The Conservative leader believes she needs more time, to turn around her party from its historic drubbing in last year's general election.

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Related Words

• clobber 
• spank 
• trounce 
• wallop