1. a severe punishment or harsh criticism
Usage: informal
2. a former naval punishment involving dragging a person under the keel of a ship
Usage: nautical; historical

Examples

• The manager gave him a real keelhauling for missing the deadline.
• After the poor performance, the team expected a keelhauling from their coach.
• She received a thorough keelhauling from her parents about her grades.
• The historical accounts describe keelhauling as a brutal maritime punishment.
• Pirates were known to use keelhauling to discipline unruly crew members.
• The captain threatened keelhauling for anyone caught stealing supplies.