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Synonyms

clobber

1 American  
[klob-er] / ˈklɒb ər /

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:
    lick, thrash, whip

  3. to denounce or criticize vigorously.

clobber 2 American  
[klob-er] / ˈklɒb ər /

noun

British, Australian Slang.

  1. (used with a plural verb) clothes.

clobber 3 American  
[klob-er] / ˈklɒb ər /

verb (used with object)

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

clobber 4 American  
[klob-er] / ˈklɒb ər /

noun

South Midland and Southern U.S.

  1. clabber.

clobber 1 British  
/ ˈklɒbə /

verb

  1. to beat or batter

  2. to defeat utterly

  3. to criticize severely

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
clobber 2 British  
/ ˈklɒbə /

noun

  1. slang personal belongings, such as clothes and accessories

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
clobber 3 British  
/ ˈklɒbə /

verb

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Regionalisms

See clabber.

Etymology

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

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.

Skipping their origin story keeps things tight while underlining the idea that these are settled-down grown-ups secure in their abilities to lengthen, disappear, ignite and clobber.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 23, 2025

We're not trying to clobber you over the head with each show — just trying to make you aware.

From Salon • Dec. 5, 2023

But for UW to take pressure off its precarious pass defense, the Huskies must consistently clobber opponents up front.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 3, 2023

That’s a relief, particularly given how the movie tries to clobber you into submission.

From New York Times • Jun. 14, 2023

No clobber to a bat like that and the swing is faster than I like.

From "Al Capone Does My Shirts" by Gennifer Choldenko

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.