Beating: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used to describe a physical or metaphorical act of hitting or defeating someone or something. It can be used in both serious and lighthearted contexts.

• He took a beating in that boxing match.
• The company took a beating in the stock market.

Similar to 'drubbing', this word often describes a severe defeat or beating. It carries a more violent and impactful connotation, sometimes used to describe intense physical punishment or competition loss.

• Our team got a thrashing in the final match.
• He received a thrashing for breaking the rules.

Usually used to describe a one-sided and overwhelming defeat, often in sports or competitions. It carries a strong connotation of humiliation for the losing side.

• Our team received a drubbing in the soccer match.
• She gave him a drubbing in the debate.

Implies repeated and forceful hitting, often in a physical context. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a relentless series of difficulties or challenges.

• The boxer was pummeling his opponent with powerful punches.
• The company has been pummeling its rivals with new innovations.

Used to describe a situation where someone is hit repeatedly, often violently. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a severe defeat or criticism.

• The boxer received a severe beating in the ring.
• The team took a beating in yesterday's match.

Describes an action taken to penalize someone for a wrongdoing or offense. It can range from physical punishment to other forms like fines or imprisonment.

• The child was given a punishment for breaking the rules.
• He faced severe punishment for his crimes.

Refers to a violent physical attack on someone. It is often used in legal contexts to describe a serious crime.

• He was arrested for assault after hitting the man.
• The police are investigating the assault that took place last night.

Implies repeated violent blows, often implying a severe and prolonged attack. It can also describe the harsh treatment in abusive relationships.

• The victim suffered a battering from the gang.
• She filed a report against her partner for repeated battering.

This word is most often used to describe a repeated striking or hitting action. It can be used both literally, such as in describing physical violence, or metaphorically, such as in sports or competition.

• He received a severe beating from the attackers.
• The team took a real beating in their last game.

This word is used in a musical context and refers to instruments that produce sound by being struck, such as drums, cymbals, or xylophones.

• She is learning to play various percussion instruments.
• The percussion section adds rhythm and energy to the orchestra.

This word specifically refers to playing a drum or a repeated noise like that of a drum. It can also be used to describe sound effects that mimic drumming noises.

• He spent the evening drumming on his set.
• The rain was drumming on the roof.

This word refers to the pattern of sounds and silences in music, speech, or movements. It can describe the regular beat in a song or the flow of events.

• The dancers moved in perfect rhythm.
• He has a natural sense of rhythm in his poetry.