1. past tense and past participle of horsewhip; to beat or strike with a horsewhip or similar implement
Usage: transitive verb; often used in historical or literary contexts
2. to defeat decisively or overwhelmingly in a competition or contest
Usage: transitive verb; informal; figurative

Examples

• The enslaved person was horsewhipped as punishment.
• Our team horsewhipped the opposing side 45-10 in the championship game.
• He was horsewhipped for his insubordination during the colonial period.
• The debate moderator felt the candidate had been horsewhipped by tough questioning.
• In the novel, the villain horsewhipped anyone who dared to defy him.
• The defending champions were horsewhipped in the first round of the tournament.