backbreaker

/ ˈbækˌbreɪkə /

noun

1. a wrestling hold in which a wrestler uses his knee or shoulder as a fulcrum to bend his opponent's body backwards
2. informal.
   an extremely arduous task

Example Sentences

The Magic had 19 offensive rebounds leading to 36 second-chance points, each one serving as a backbreaker for a Lakers defense that was having a hard enough time getting stops.

From Los Angeles Times

Moreno supplied the backbreaker moments later.

From Los Angeles Times

The season's most heartbreaking challenge is also a backbreaker, as the surviving competitors are divided into three teams of 10 and tasked with dragging a 1.5-ton ship over sand and across a dock with an upward incline, and in the shortest time possible.

From Salon

The Dutch, ranked eighth and a 2010 finalist, scored twice in the first half, including a backbreaker for the No. 16 United States seconds before intermission.

From Washington Post

The duo combined to make eight of 16 three-pointers, including one by Cryer with 2 minutes 50 seconds left that was nearly a backbreaker after the Bruins had pulled within one point.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ambitious
• arduous
• burdensome
• challenging
• crucial
• demanding
• laborious
• onerous
• painful
• problematic
• severe
• strenuous
• tough
• troublesome