smackdown
Americannoun
-
a severe rebuke or criticism.
his amazing smackdown of the protesters.
-
a humbling defeat.
-
a confrontation, contest, or fight, as between wrestlers or other competitors.
noun
-
a wrestling bout
-
any intensely fought contest
-
a decisive blow
Etymology
Origin of smackdown
First recorded in 1990–95; smack 2 ( def. ) + down 1 ( def. )
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.
It’s a luxury goods smackdown: Are Cartier Love bracelets about to replace the Hermès Birkin bag as the product that drives the best shareholder returns in the luxury-goods industry?
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 22, 2026
Now, his players having established they know what it takes to win following a smackdown of Michigan State, he’s asking them to maintain their approach.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 17, 2025
Sorry if you’re a viewer left out in the cold by the DirecTV-Disney smackdown, but there are reputations to maintain here, thank you very much.
From Slate ● Sep. 7, 2024
Despite the presidential smackdown, Massie cruised to reelection that year.
From Seattle Times ● May 20, 2024
“Someone needs to tell him that while it is possible to get smacked down, and it is also possible to get a smackdown, it is not possible to get ‘smackdown.’”
From "Paper Towns" by John Green
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.
