trounce

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. verb beat severely with a whip or rod
  2. verb come out better in a competition, race, or conflict
  3. verb censure severely or angrily

Etymology

The origin of the verb is unknown; it is perhaps related to Old French troncer, troncher, troncir, tronchir (“to cut; to cut a piece from; to retrench”), from Old French tronce, tronche (“stump; piece of wood”). However, the English and Old French words differ in meaning. The noun is derived from the verb.

In classic literature

Synonyms

flog, welt, whip, lather, lash, slash, strap

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