dressing-down

[ dres-ing-doun ]

noun

1. a severe reprimand; scolding.

dressing-down

noun

1. informal.
   a severe scolding or thrashing

Word History and Origins

Origin of dressing-down¹

1860–65, Americanism; noun use (with -ing ¹ ) of verb phrase dress down

Example Sentences

“He says, ‘You’re not welcome here,’” Ms. Pollini said, crying as she recalled the intensity of his dressing-down.

From New York Times

The chairman had to talk them down as the pair continued to bicker, during a dressing-down by Mr. Sanders.

From Washington Times

The chairman had to talk them down as the pair continued to bicker, during a dressing-down by Mr. Sanders.

From Washington Times

"Her very visible irritation and dressing-down of the Special Counsel’s team last week was remarkable, to say the least."

From Salon

When he criticized NBA teams last month for calling themselves “world champions” when they don’t play teams from outside North America, it drew a pointed reaction from NBA stars, Drake and a verbal dressing-down from ESPN’s most visible commentator, Stephen A. Smith.

From Los Angeles Times