I meant to post this here, not in the other forum. Sorry.
Based on the following examples, can the word "defenestrate" mean "to defeat" in a competition, especially a sporting event? I know that it literally means "to throw out of a window," and, metaphorically, "to get rid of; pink-slip; fire," as in: "The company defenestrated middle management."
The following are excerpts from the internet. So can "defenestrate" also mean, in a broader and metaphorical sense, ”to beat; to defeat"? Yes or no?
And have you ever heard it used in sentences like the ones below?
................
Eagles Defenestrate Royals, 112-76.
Taylor says even without Bumrah, India has a fiery pace line-up to defenestrate Australia.
But then came Saturday's 40-13 defenestration against Central Florida, in which the Knights scored 34 straight points and Tigers quarterback Riley Ferguson threw three interceptions and lost a fumble.
When England defenestrated India 4-0 last year, it seemed like this return series would be their final frontier.
Requiring only a draw to ensure safety in their last match at fellow relegation strugglers Sheffield Wednesday, they were defenestrated 6-0.
Raffensperger's outright victory was the piece de resistance in this unceremonious defenestration.
Rivers defenestrated Gomez with an uppercut in the third round.
Thanks.
Defenestrate
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Re: Defenestrate
This is a new use in the sports world. The Oxford English Dictionary does have examples from both sides of the ocean of what they call a "colloquial" usage meaning "[t]o dismiss, discard, or dispose of (a person or thing); esp. to remove (a person) from a position of power or authority."
No dictionary I use lists "to defeat" as an alternative and all the citations you give are from the sports world, not known for the sophistication of its speech.
No dictionary I use lists "to defeat" as an alternative and all the citations you give are from the sports world, not known for the sophistication of its speech.
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