Definition

Noun: 1. The act of subjecting to strong attack: A sustained, intense, and often violent physical assault or heavy criticism. * The constant battering of the coastline by the waves has changed the shape of the cliffs. * The politician faced a severe battering from the press after the scandal.

Usage Examples

• The old fort's walls showed signs of centuries of battering by enemy cannons.
• The stock market took a battering yesterday, with shares losing value rapidly.
• The team's defense was unable to withstand the constant battering from the opposing offense.

Advanced Usage

• To take a battering: To suffer severe damage, criticism, or defeat.
  • His reputation has taken a real battering over the last few months.
• Battering force: Used to describe something characterized by repeated, heavy blows.
  • The hurricane arrived as a battering force of wind and rain.

Variants and Related Words

• Batter (verb): To hit repeatedly with hard blows; to subject to strong attack or criticism.
  • Heavy seas battered the ship.
  • The minister was battered by questions from journalists.
• Battered (adjective): Worn down or damaged by repeated use or attack.
  • a battered old suitcase
  • battered coastal towns

Synonyms

• Pounding
• Pummeling
• Drubbing
• Beating
• Onslaught

Related Phrases

• Battering ram: A historical siege weapon used to break down gates or walls through repeated impact. This term is sometimes used metaphorically.
  • The protesters used a log as a battering ram against the door.

Noun

1. the act of subjecting to strong attack