keelhaul
/ˈkiːlˌhɔːl/
VERB
1. To punish by dragging beneath a ship's keel
To punish a sailor by dragging them underwater from one side of a ship to the other, passing beneath the vessel's keel; a historical form of severe maritime punishment.
1.1. Historical maritime punishment
Subjecting a sailor or crew member to the historical punishment of being dragged beneath a ship's hull, often resulting in severe injury or death.
Synonyms
- punish
- flog
- scourge
Examples
- The notorious pirate captain threatened to keelhaul any traitors among the crew.
- The captured sailor faced the terrifying prospect of being keelhauled for disobedience.
Related Words
- discipline
- flogging
- whipping
- corporal punishment
- maritime law
- ship
- hull
- keel
VERB
2. To rebuke or criticize someone harshly
To reprimand, criticize, or condemn someone severely, often expressing strong disapproval of their behavior or actions.
2.1. Severe verbal criticism and reprimands
To express strong disapproval of someone's behavior through harsh criticism, scolding, or an angry reprimand.
Synonyms
- admonish
- berate
- castigate
- chastise
- censure
- chew out
- chide
- condemn
- criticize
- denounce
- dress down
- excoriate
- harangue
- lambast
- lambaste
- lash
- lay into
- lecture
- rebuke
- reprimand
- reproach
- reprove
- revile
- scold
- take to task
- tongue-lash
- upbraid
- vituperate
Antonyms
Examples
- The manager threatened to keelhaul anyone who repeatedly ignored the company's safety regulations.
- The coach keelhauled the players for their careless performance.
- The supervisor keelhauled him for failing to complete the assignment on time.
- The editor practically keelhauled the writer over the numerous errors in the manuscript.
Related Words
- objurgate
- abuse
- blame
- faultfinding
- criticism
- condemnation
- disapproval
- reproof
- reprimand
- punishment