smackdown

American  

[smak-doun] / ˈsmækˌdaʊn /

noun

Slang.

1. a severe rebuke or criticism.

   his amazing smackdown of the protesters.

2. a humbling defeat.

3. a confrontation, contest, or fight, as between wrestlers or other competitors.

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smackdown British  

/ ˈsmækˌdaʊn /

noun

1. a wrestling bout

2. any intensely fought contest

3. a decisive blow

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Etymology

Origin of smackdown

First recorded in 1990–95; smack ² ( def. ) + down ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

“I’m Your Mother” isn’t guidance, it’s a verbal smackdown wrapped in laughter that’s unremorseful and so well written, Tim Dillon is now our mother.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 10, 2025

I don’t think he can wrestle — although he loves a good smackdown.

From Salon • Jan. 9, 2025

After a head-to-head sandwich smackdown, our food writer calls it a tie: You can’t go wrong with either of these West Seattle banh mi shops.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 28, 2024

Waymo, the other robotaxi heavyweight, has been tied to fewer dangerous incidents than Cruise and has not received a similar smackdown from the California DMV.

From Slate • Oct. 25, 2023

“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