Definition

Noun: 1. The act of striking or hitting something repeatedly with force, especially with a hammer or similar object: This refers to the physical action of delivering repeated, heavy blows. 2. A sound or series of sounds produced by such repeated blows: This refers to the noise made by the action of hammering. 3. A severe defeat or criticism: Used figuratively to describe a thorough beating in a contest or a harsh verbal attack.

Examples

• The constant hammering from the construction site next door made it impossible to concentrate.
• He could hear the hammering of rain on the metal roof during the storm.
• After a poor performance, the team took a real hammering from the sports press.
• The boxer gave his opponent a terrible hammering in the third round.

Advanced Usage

• "To take a hammering": To suffer a severe defeat, loss, or damage.
  • The company's stock price took a hammering after the scandal was revealed.
  • Our defense took a real hammering in the first half of the game.
• "To give someone/something a hammering": To defeat someone thoroughly or to criticize someone or something severely.
  • The investigative report gave the government's policy a real hammering.

Variants and Related Words

• Hammer (verb/noun): The tool or the action of using it.
• Hammered (adjective): Slang for being very drunk.
• Hammer and tongs (idiom): To do something with great vigor, energy, or noise.

Synonyms

• Pounding: Repeated heavy hitting.
• Drubbing: A decisive defeat.
• Thrashing: A severe beating or defeat.
• Battering: Repeated heavy blows causing damage.

Phrasal Verbs

• Hammer away at: To work persistently or repeatedly on something.
  • She hammered away at the keyboard, trying to finish the report.
  • The lawyer hammered away at the witness during cross-examination.
• Hammer out: To produce or agree on something, such as a plan or deal, through lengthy discussion or negotiation.
  • The two countries finally hammered out a trade agreement after months of talks.

Related Idioms

• Come under the hammer: To be sold at an auction.
  • Several famous paintings will come under the hammer next week.
• Hammer something home: To emphasize a point very forcefully to make sure it is understood.
  • The teacher hammered home the importance of safety procedures.

Noun

1. the act of pounding (delivering repeated heavy blows)
   • the sudden hammer of fists caught him off guard
   • the pounding of feet on the hallway