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

Léo’s tenderly nostalgic reminiscences of past love affairs are slapped down by Emma, who brusquely dismisses his pleasant recollections as mere male projection. — Jay Weissberg, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026

As lawyers crowded in, Reddington could be seen slapping down a sheaf of papers. — Eren Orbey, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026

The majority also slapped down his global tariffs, finding that only Congress had the authority to impose them. — Nicholas Riccardi, Los Angeles Times, 28 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

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