thrashing
Americannoun
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a flogging; whipping.
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the act of a person or thing that thrashes.
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a pile or quantity of threshed grain or the grain threshed at one time.
noun
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a physical assault; flogging
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a convincing defeat
a 5–1 thrashing
Etymology
Origin of thrashing
Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at thrash, -ing 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The band’s appeal rested on their thrashing simplicity, bad-boy looks and dark sense of humor.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026
Mikel Arteta's side have been top of the table for more than 200 days, while City have only spent six days at the summit - following their opening day 4-0 thrashing of Wolves.
From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026
Symptoms of nocturnal seizures can include signs of sudden awakening with confusion, thrashing, violent movements, screaming, or waking up on the floor.
From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026
They meet again on Sunday and six-Test Wallaby Toole said they were brimming with confidence after opening their season with a 56-24 thrashing of Western Force in Perth a week ago.
From Barron's • Feb. 21, 2026
Stella moved toward the sound, toward the splashing and wild thrashing that followed another gurgled cry.
From "Stella by Starlight" by Sharon M. Draper
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
