slap down

verb

slapped down; slapping down; slaps down

transitive verb

1
: to prohibit or restrain usually abruptly and with censure from acting in a specified way : squelch
2
: to put an abrupt stop to : suppress

Examples of slap down in a Sentence

public protests against the dictatorial government were always promptly slapped down
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Here's a list of vaccine myths and facts that slaps down the persistent lies floating around social media and conspiracy websites. Matt Jancer, WIRED, 26 Jan. 2022 It’s been 10 years since film producer Cash Warren and his longtime buddies Alan Stuart and David Ehrenberg reached into their wallets and slapped down $1,500 each to start a sock company. Jean E. Palmieri, WWD, 15 July 2024 This is a court so conservative that it has been repeatedly slapped down by the Supreme Court, including in three out of 10 appeals from its rulings this term. Ruth Marcus, Washington Post, 3 July 2024 But Trump’s camp has already made sure to highlight attempts Biden has made to make good on his promise that have been slapped down. Max Thornberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 26 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for slap down 

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of slap down was in 1842

Dictionary Entries Near slap down

Cite this Entry

“Slap down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/slap%20down. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!