smackdown

[ smak-doun ]

/ ˈsmækˌdaʊn /

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noun Slang.

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.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of smackdown

First recorded in 1990–95; smack² + down¹

Words nearby smackdown

Sm, SMA, smaak, smack, smack dab, smackdown, smacker, smackeroo, smackhead, smacking, smack talk

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use smackdown in a sentence

George Will went and blamed the victims—and Twitter responded with a round smackdown.
#SurvivorPrivilege Schools George Will on the Reality of Rape|Amanda Marcotte|June 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I happen to be of his godless camp, but I found this smackdown gratuitous and rude.
Geoff Dyer at Sea: Unmoored but on Target|Melissa Holbrook Pierson|May 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But in 2013, Obama was fresh off his re-election victory and we saw “Smackdown II.”
Obama Will Weaponize Comedy at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner|Dean Obeidallah|May 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST
A SUZE SMACKDOWN The frustration, these days, all comes back to the Approved Card.
Can Suze Orman Save America?|Adam Auriemma|November 10, 2013|DAILY BEAST

For a final test in the smackdown, I choose the far less threatening Breathe Owl Breathe.
Why Is Apple Punishing Me, a Loyal Fanboy, With iOS 7?|Winston Ross|September 19, 2013|DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for smackdown

smackdown

/ (ˈsmækˌdaʊn) /

noun informal

a wrestling bout

any intensely fought contest

a decisive blow

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