clobber

¹

[ klob-er ]

verb (used with object)

, Slang.

1. to batter severely; strike heavily:

   He tried to clobber me with his club.

2. to defeat decisively; drub; trounce.

   Synonyms: thrash, whip, lick

3. to denounce or criticize vigorously.

clobber

²

[ klob-er ]

noun

, British, Australian Slang.

1. (used with a plural verb) clothes ( def 1 ).

clobber

³

[ klob-er ]

verb (used with object)

1. to paint over existing decoration on (a ceramic piece).

clobber

⁴

[ klob-er ]

noun

, South Midland and Southern U.S.

1. clabber.

clobber

¹

/ ˈklɒbə /

noun

1. slang.
   personal belongings, such as clothes and accessories

clobber

²

/ ˈklɒbə /

verb

1. to beat or batter
2. to defeat utterly
3. to criticize severely

clobber

³

/ ˈklɒbə /

verb

1. tr to paint over existing decoration on (pottery)

Word History and Origins

Origin of clobber¹

An Americanism dating back to 1940–45; origin uncertain

Origin of clobber²

First recorded in 1875–80; of obscure origin; clobber ³

Origin of clobber³

First recorded in 1850–55; earlier, “to mend, patch up (clothes or shoes)”; of obscure origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of clobber¹

C19: of unknown origin

Origin of clobber²

C20: of unknown origin

Origin of clobber³

C19 (originally in the sense: to patch up): of uncertain origin; perhaps related to clobber ²

Example Sentences

Even if he did get clobbered seconds later during the wild celebration.

From Los Angeles Times

Trump may have been clobbered twice in California, but he did receive more than 6 million votes in 2020 — the most of any state.

From Los Angeles Times

He said people with "valuable homes" were “clobbered” by the current inheritance tax system, and that he would “like to see a reform that made it fairer”.

From BBC

Kamala Harris not only dominated and clobbered him, she goaded him into appearing unhinged.

From Los Angeles Times

On 15 from 31 deliveries, Smith clobbered 52 off the next 18 he faced, cleanly striking the ball to all parts.

From BBC

Related Words

• drub
• smother
• thrash
• wallop