drub

American  

[druhb] / drʌb /

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).

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noun

1. a blow with a stick or the like.

drub British  

/ 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

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noun

1. a blow, as from a stick

Other Word Forms

• drubber noun
• undrubbed adjective

Etymology

Origin of drub

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

Example Sentences

"I don't know what the future holds," James told reporters when asked about possible retirement following the Lakers' 129-99 drubbing by his former club.

From Barron's

The victory over their New York rivals at Madison Square Garden followed a dismal run of four straight losses that culminated with a 114-97 drubbing by Dallas on Monday.

From Barron's

There was no sugarcoating how disappointed Brentwood players and coaches felt last week in suffering a 16-point drubbing by Crossroads in their Gold Coast League opener.

From Los Angeles Times

The New York Jets’ lifeless season ended with another embarrassing loss, this time a 35-8 drubbing by Buffalo, which was resting many key players including Allen.

From The Wall Street Journal

Villa boss Emery told Sky Sports that his players and coaching staff had held a meeting after their drubbing at the Emirates.

From Barron's

Related Words

• clobber
• spank
• trounce
• wallop