keelhauled
/ˈkiːlˌhɔːld/
VERB
1. Dragged beneath a ship's keel as punishment
Punished by being dragged underwater beneath a ship's hull from one side to the other, as a historical form of severe maritime punishment.
1.1. Historical maritime punishment
Subjected to the historical punishment of being dragged beneath a ship's keel, often resulting in severe injury or death.
Synonyms
Examples
- The disobedient sailor was keelhauled for violating the captain's orders.
- Historical records describe prisoners who were keelhauled as punishment for serious offenses.
Related Words
VERB
2. Reprimanded or criticized severely
Rebuked, scolded, or criticized harshly for inappropriate behavior, mistakes, or poor performance.
2.1. Harsh verbal criticism and reprimands
Subjected to severe verbal criticism, an angry reprimand, or strong expressions of disapproval.
Synonyms
- admonished
- berated
- castigated
- chastised
- censured
- chewed out
- chided
- condemned
- criticized
- denounced
- dressed down
- excoriated
- harangued
- lambasted
- lashed
- lectured
- rebuked
- reprimanded
- reproached
- reproved
- scolded
- upbraided
Antonyms
Examples
- The manager keelhauled the employee for repeatedly ignoring company safety regulations.
- The coach keelhauled the players after their disappointing performance.
- He was keelhauled by his supervisor for failing to complete the assignment on time.
- The editor keelhauled the writer over numerous errors in the manuscript.
Related Words
- admonishment
- blame
- criticism
- condemnation
- disapproval
- reproof
- reprimand
- rebuke