Word
bashing
Phoneticsbash·ing
US/ˈbæʃɪŋ/
UK/bˈæʃɪŋ/
Definitions
01severe criticism
n. strong and often unfair public criticism of a person, group, or idea.
n. the act of subjecting a person, group, or institution to harsh, persistent, and often public verbal criticism.
“The newspaper was accused of celebrity bashing after its latest article.”
“The candidate complained about the constant media bashing, arguing that the press was ignoring his actual policy proposals.”
Informal
Usage
Often used in compound nouns like 'media bashing' or 'politician bashing'.
Teaching tip
This is the most common modern sense in news and social media; it implies the criticism is excessive or biased.
02a physical hit
n. the act of hitting something or someone very hard.
n. a forceful physical blow or a series of heavy strikes.
“The old car took a real bashing during the long journey over the mountains.”
“The coastal defences took a severe bashing during the winter storms, necessitating expensive repairs to the concrete sea wall.”
Informal
Idioms
queer bashing — Prejudice or violence against queer people.