slap down

verb — 2 senses

slap down

verb

Etymology Metaphorical use of a literal phrase (slap + down).

1

To browbeat or reprimand (someone) harshly, usually in front of other people.

She slapped down her subordinate at the meeting.

2

To harshly reject (something).

The judge slapped down the department's rule rewrites.

Entry derived from the Wiktionary, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0 — list of authors.