smack down

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To defeat utterly and decisively, especially in a humiliating way.

Register: informal

Where it’s used: Used American English
Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To successfully refute someone or someone's idea or proposal.

Register: informal

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “smack down” mean?

To defeat utterly and decisively, especially in a humiliating way.

Is “smack down” formal or informal?

smack down is generally informal.