drub

\ ˈdrəb

How to pronounce drub (audio)

\

drubbed; drubbing

Definition of drub

transitive verb

1 : to beat severely

2 : to berate critically

3 : to defeat decisively

intransitive verb

Other Words from drub Synonyms Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about drub

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Did You Know?

Sportswriters often use drub, but the term's history reveals that it wasn't always a sporting word. When drub was first used in English, it referred to a method of punishment that involved beating the soles of a culprit's feet with a stick or cudgel. The term was apparently brought to England in the 17th century by travelers who reported observing the punitive practice in Asia. Etymologists are uncertain of the ultimate origin of drub, but some have speculated that it may have evolved from the Arabic word daraba, meaning "to beat."

Examples of drub in a Sentence

a crowd was drubbing the purse snatcher when the police arrived on the scene we drubbed our traditional football rivals so badly that it was basically no contest

Recent Examples on the Web Katy went on to win the 6A state title by drubbing Klein Collins 8-2. — Robert Avery, Houston Chronicle, "Jaw-dropping race caps year of Deer Park sports highlights," 19 Dec. 2019 Marrone said Monday, a day after getting drubbed 45-10 by the Los Angeles Chargers. — Mark Long, orlandosentinel.com, "Jaguars face plenty of problems with few easy solutions," 9 Dec. 2019 The Buckeyes drubbed Cincinnati 42-0; the Bearcats are 5-0 otherwise. — Teddy Greenstein, chicagotribune.com, "5 things we learned about Big Ten football after Week 7, including the countdown to the game of the year — and possibly the worst team ever. Plus, our updated power rankings.," 13 Oct. 2019 Then comes Harvard, which drubbed the Toreros 36-14 last year. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Toreros looking for answers in season opener against Cal Poly," 30 Aug. 2019 The Wolves split those two games, blowing out Washington before getting drubbed by Milwaukee. — Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, "Karl-Anthony Towns questionable for Timberwolves’ game Wednesday with a knee sprain," 17 Dec. 2019 And after getting drubbed in their first loss, the Patriots downright deserve a rematch. — Jarrett Bell, USA TODAY, "Ready for a rematch? Patriots' playoff fate might depend on getting revenge vs. Ravens," 4 Nov. 2019 Oregon State drubbed a Big Sky opponent on the kind day that made people want to come back for more. — oregonlive, "Canzano: Oregon State football blowout victory was a $600,000 bargain," 14 Sep. 2019 Taggart was dismissed on Nov. 3, a day after the Seminoles were drubbed 27-10 by Miami at Doak Campbell Stadium. — Stephen Ruiz, orlandosentinel.com, "Chris Weinke: Next FSU coach must ‘create a vision’ to turn around Seminoles’ program," 12 Nov. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'drub.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

12 Jan 2020

Cite this Entry

“Drub.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drubbing. Accessed 19 January 2020.

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