slap down

verb

slapped down; slapping down; slaps down

transitive verb

1

: to prohibit or restrain usually abruptly and with censure from acting in a specified way : squelch

2

: to put an abrupt stop to : suppress

Synonyms of slap down

• quell
• suppress
• subdue
• sit on
• crack down (on)
• put down

Examples of slap down in a Sentence

public protests against the dictatorial government were always promptly slapped down

Recent Examples on the Web

In February, three of them—including, much to Trump’s fury, two of his own appointees—joined with the liberals to slap down his assertion of emergency power to impose tariffs. — Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 26 June 2026

Today the Supreme Court slapped down the move made by a federal appeals court last year to overturn Hernandez's conviction. — Alex Nitzberg, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2026

Court strikes down California mask law The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals slapped down a California law that would have forced immigration agents and other law enforcement officers to display ID while on duty. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026

Kalshi won a key case last week when a federal appeals court slapped down an attempt by New Jersey to curb the platform. — Justin Papp,garrett Downs, CNBC, 15 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for slap down

• adown
• blowdown
• breakdown
• countdown
• crackdown
• crosstown
• downtown
• drawdown
• dropdown
• facedown
• godown
• hometown