Word
smacking
Phoneticssmack·ing
US/ˈsmækɪŋ/
UK/smˈækɪŋ/
Definition
n. the act of hitting someone, usually a child, with the flat part of your hand as a punishment. It is a physical way to show someone they did something wrong.
n. the act of striking someone, typically a child, with the palm of the hand as a form of corporal punishment. Often discussed in legal or developmental contexts regarding parental discipline.
Examples
“The government decided to ban smacking in schools.”
“Many countries have introduced legislation to outlaw the smacking of children, citing the negative long-term effects of physical punishment.”
“The debate over smacking often centers on the distinction between reasonable parental discipline and the fundamental right of a child to be free from physical violence within the home.”
Examples
simple
“The government decided to ban smacking in schools.”
contextual
“Many countries have introduced legislation to outlaw the smacking of children, citing the negative long-term effects of physical punishment.”
complex
“The debate over smacking often centers on the distinction between reasonable parental discipline and the fundamental right of a child to be free from physical violence within the home.”
Usage
Often used as a gerund noun; frequently appears in the phrase 'a smacking' when referring to a specific instance.
Word family
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/smacking