spreadeagle
Definition
Verb: - To defeat someone or something utterly and decisively, often in a humiliating or overwhelming manner. This term originates from the image of a person being forced into a spread-eagle position, which is vulnerable and defenseless.
Usage
This verb is typically used in contexts of competition, conflict, or comparison to describe a complete and often embarrassing victory or defeat. It is often used in the passive voice.
Examples
- Verb:
- The champion spreadeagled his opponent in the first round of the match.
- Our team was completely spreadeagled in the final game of the season.
- The new economic policy spreadeagled the arguments of its critics.
Advanced Usage
- "to be spreadeagled": To be in a state of utter defeat or to be completely overwhelmed.
- After the scandal, the company's reputation was spreadeagled.
Variants and Related Words
- Spread-eagle (adjective): Describing a position with arms and legs stretched out wide.
- He lay spread-eagle on the grass, looking at the clouds.
- Spread-eagle (verb): To stretch out (limbs) widely. (Note: This is a hyphenated variant of the same root action but with a different, more literal meaning).
- The gymnast spread-eagled her arms and legs during the maneuver.
Synonyms
- Annihilate: To destroy completely.
- Trounce: To defeat heavily.
- Rout: To defeat and cause to flee in disorder.
- Vanquish: To defeat thoroughly.
Phrasal Verbs
(This word does not commonly form phrasal verbs.)
Related Idioms
- To be laid out/spread-eagled: To be physically lying with limbs outstretched, often implying vulnerability or defeat.
- The boxer was laid out spreadeagle on the canvas.
Verb
-
defeat disastrously
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