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

to slam-dunk

1 7.8
To beat someone or something easily by taking strong, clear action
  • verb
  • /slæm dʌŋk/
  • Informal
translation icon : 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
26 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 throw down
vsto slam-dunk
  • Informal
18 7.0

To start a fight or bold competition to show strength

is an aggressive move aimed at removing nearly all resistance
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 dunk on
vsto slam-dunk
  • Slang
3 8.5

To make someone look bad in public by saying something clever

focuses on decisive aggressive action rather than public insult
to wallop
vsto slam-dunk
  • Informal
1 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
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
235 4.0

To move back from a place or plan to avoid danger

to yield
81 4.3

To stop resisting under pressure or force

How Decisive

to overwhelm
42 4.0
to slam-dunk
  • Informal
1 7.8
to challenge
355 3.0
to press
285 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.