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Glite Dictionary
💥 To defeat easily 🏀 To score powerfully
to slam-dunk

to slam-dunk

6 7.8
To beat someone or something easily by taking strong, clear action
  • verb
  • /slæm dʌŋk/
  • Informal
: destruir
  • Don't slam-dunk the competition without considering their strengths!

Examples

  • With that decision, the CEO was ready to slam-dunk any opposition to the new policy.

  • His impressive presentation will surely slam-dunk any competitors who challenge his proposal.

  • During the debate, she slam-dunked her opponent's arguments with a single, well-crafted response.

  • Streaming services have slam-dunked traditional television in terms of popularity among young audiences.

  • The new smartphone company slam-dunked its competitors with innovative technology.

  • The team slam-dunked their way to victory last night.

  • The lawyer's arguments were so strong that it felt like she was going to slam-dunk the case in court.

Synonyms

to play hardball
vsto slam-dunk
  • Informal
28 7.0

Act aggressively to get what you want when you compete with others

is aggressive action meant to secure a near certain outcome
to dunk on
vsto slam-dunk
  • Slang
5 8.5

To make someone look bad in public by saying something clever

focuses on decisive aggressive action rather than public insult
to take the offensive
vsto slam-dunk
5 6.4

Begin attacking or acting aggressively to gain an advantage

starts forceful action that aims to prevent any effective opposition
to throw down
vsto slam-dunk
  • Informal
5 7.0

To start a fight or bold competition to show strength

is an aggressive move aimed at removing nearly all resistance
to wallop
vsto slam-dunk
  • Informal
2 6.7

To beat someone very easily and completely in a game or contest

is an aggressive action that leaves little chance of resistance
to take the game to them
vsto slam-dunk
  • Informal
1 8.1

Play aggressively to attack the other team rather than defend

means taking strong action to give opponents little chance to respond

Antonyms

to retreat
225 4.0

To move back from a place or plan to avoid danger

to yield
74 4.3

To stop resisting under pressure or force

How Decisive

to overwhelm
74 4.0
to slam-dunk
  • Informal
6 7.8
to challenge
432 3.0
to press
337 3.9
attempt
∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

slam-dunk infinitive
slam-dunked past
slam-dunked past participle
slam-dunking present participle
slam-dunks third person singular

Morphology

slam-dunk = slam + dunk (semi-transparent) = slam + dunk

The competition sense is a metaphorical extension of the basketball move, so the form helps but does not fully predict the meaning.

Etymology

Slam-dunk came from the basketball move, and because it is a sure, forceful score, people use it for actions that win easily or leave little chance to resist.