What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
clobber
Example
The home team clobbered their rivals with a score of 10-0. [clobber: verb]
Example
He got clobbered by the bully and ended up with a black eye. [clobbered: past tense]
defeat
Example
Our team defeated the reigning champions in a thrilling match. [defeated: past tense]
Example
She couldn't overcome her fear of public speaking and was defeated by her anxiety. [defeat: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Defeat is more commonly used than clobber in everyday language. Defeat is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, including sports, personal challenges, and competitions. Clobber, on the other hand, is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations where there is a clear sense of overpowering or dominating the opponent.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between clobber and defeat?
While defeat can be used in both formal and informal contexts, clobber is more informal and typically used in casual conversations or in sports-related discussions.