thrashing
Americannoun
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a flogging; whipping.
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the act of a person or thing that thrashes.
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a pile or quantity of threshed grain or the grain threshed at one time.
noun
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a physical assault; flogging
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a convincing defeat
a 5–1 thrashing
Etymology
Origin of thrashing
Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at thrash, -ing 1
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.
The band’s appeal rested on their thrashing simplicity, bad-boy looks and dark sense of humor.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026
Last year, Zhao came through four rounds of qualifying and then defeated 2024 runner-up Jak Jones, compatriot Lei Peifan and England's Chris Wakelin before thrashing seven-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan 17-7 to reach the final.
From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026
Symptoms of nocturnal seizures can include signs of sudden awakening with confusion, thrashing, violent movements, screaming, or waking up on the floor.
From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026
The Brumbies opened their season with a 56-24 thrashing of Western Force in Perth, and will face the Auckland Blues next week.
From Barron's • Feb. 22, 2026
She bared her claws, thrashing and digging wherever they happened to land.
From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny
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.
