thrash

[ thrash ]

verb (used with object)

1. to beat soundly in punishment; flog.

   Synonyms: drub, maul

2. to defeat thoroughly:

   The home team thrashed the visitors.

3. Nautical. to force (a close-hauled sailing ship under heavy canvas) against a strong wind or sea.
4. thresh.

verb (used without object)

1. to toss, or plunge about.
2. Nautical. to make way against the wind, tide, etc.; beat.
3. thresh ( defs 3, 4 ).

noun

1. an act or instance of thrashing; beating; blow.
2. thresh ( def 5 ).
3. Swimming. the upward and downward movement of the legs, as in the crawl.
4. British Slang. a party, usually with drinks.

verb phrase

1. to talk over thoroughly and vigorously in order to reach a decision, conclusion, or understanding; discuss exhaustively. Also thresh outover.

thrash

/ θræʃ /

verb

1. tr to beat soundly, as with a whip or stick
2. tr to defeat totally; overwhelm
3. intr to beat or plunge about in a wild manner
4. intr to move the legs up and down in the water, as in certain swimming strokes
5. to sail (a boat) against the wind or tide or (of a boat) to sail in this way
6. another word for thresh

noun

1. the act of thrashing; blow; beating
2. informal.
   a party or similar social gathering

Other Words From

• un·thrashed adjective
• well-thrashed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of thrash¹

before 900; Middle English thrasshen, variant of thresshen to thresh

Word History and Origins

Origin of thrash¹

Old English threscan; related to Old High German dreskan, Old Norse thriskja

Synonym Study

See beat.

Example Sentences

United are unbeaten in three games since Amorim took charge, thrashing Everton 4-0 on Sunday, but said Arsenal are "by far" the biggest challenge he has faced in the job so far.

From BBC

They also remain in a decent position in the Champions League group stage - despite being thrashed by Sporting - but know they must regain their form quickly to stay realistic contenders on all fronts.

From BBC

Manchester United thrashed Leicester, external in the Carabao Cup at the end of October in Ruud van Nistelrooy’s first game as interim manager, but the Foxes had made nine changes from their previous league game.

From BBC

Denver should bounce back after a humiliating thrashing by Baltimore, but will it be enough?

From Los Angeles Times

England were thrashed by eight wickets in the series decider as the hosts romped home in pursuit of 264 with seven overs to spare.

From BBC

Related Words

• beat up
• clobber
• crush
• defeat
• maul
• overwhelm
• paste
• pummel
• rout
• spank
• trounce
• whip