kicking
n. countable B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈkɪkɪŋ// UK //kˈɪkɪŋ// kick·ing
n. a physical attack where someone hits you many times with their feet. In British slang, it can also mean a very bad defeat in a game or competition.
n. a physical assault involving repeated blows with the feet. In informal British English, it refers to a comprehensive or humiliating defeat in a sporting contest.
The team took a real kicking in the second half.
After the argument turned violent, the victim was left with bruises following a nasty kicking in the alleyway.
The local party suffered a political kicking at the polls, losing seats they had held securely for over three decades due to a sudden shift in public sentiment.
Usage
Commonly used with the verb 'take' or 'give' in both its literal and figurative senses.