drub

[druhb]

verb (used with object)

drubbed, drubbing 

1. to beat with a stick or the like; cudgel; flog; thrash.

2. to defeat decisively, as in a game or contest.

3. to drive as if by flogging.

   Latin grammar was drubbed into their heads.

4. to stamp (the feet).

noun

1. a blow with a stick or the like.

drub

/ drʌb /

verb

1. to beat as with a stick; cudgel; club

2. to defeat utterly, as in a contest

3. to drum or stamp (the feet)

4. to instil with force or repetition

   the master drubbed Latin into the boys

noun

1. a blow, as from a stick

Other Word Forms

• drubber noun
• undrubbed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of drub¹

1625–35; perhaps by uncertain mediation < Arabic ḍarb blow, beating

Word History and Origins

Origin of drub¹

C17: probably from Arabic dáraba to beat

Example Sentences

He won the Democratic Party’s nomination in a Senate run two years later, only to come in for a drubbing against Republican Sen. Rand Paul.

Read more on Salon

If they give even the slightest hint that the Ashes drubbing is still lurking in their minds, Australia are ruthless and will pounce.

Read more on BBC

The Conservative leader believes she needs more time, to turn around her party from its historic drubbing in last year's general election.

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The Philadelphia Eagles drubbing of the Kansas Chiefs scored an even bigger audience than last year, thanks to streaming.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Whitewashed 0-3 at home by New Zealand, followed by a 3-1 drubbing by Australia Down Under in two preceding series, India looked vulnerable and wobbly.

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Related Words

• clobber 
• spank 
• trounce 
• wallop