monstering: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-to-Mid (regional/colloquial usage)Informal, colloquial; more common in British/Australian journalism and sports commentary.
Quick answer
What does “monstering” mean?
The action of severely and relentlessly criticising, attacking, or bullying someone, often publicly.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The action of severely and relentlessly criticising, attacking, or bullying someone, often publicly.
Can also refer to the action of defeating an opponent overwhelmingly, especially in sports. In British military slang, it historically meant to inflict a severe beating.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Predominantly British/Australian. In American English, the term is very rare and may not be understood; alternatives like 'savaging', 'trashing', or 'lambasting' are more common.
Connotations
British: Strongly implies a public, humiliating, and forceful attack, often by media or a crowd. American: Lacks established connotations due to rarity.
Frequency
Common in UK tabloid headlines and sports reports. Virtually unused in general American English.
Grammar
How to Use “monstering” in a Sentence
[Subject] gave [Object] a monstering.[Object] was monstered by [Subject] (in the press).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “monstering” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The tabloids absolutely monstered the minister for his gaffe.
- Their forwards monstered our defence for the entire second half.
American English
- (Rare) The critic monstered the artist's latest exhibition in her review.
- (Rare) They were completely monstered in the playoffs.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard; verb form preferred) N/A
American English
- (Not standard) N/A
adjective
British English
- It was a monstering performance by the home team, leaving no doubt about the winner.
- He gave a monstering speech that left his opponent reeling.
American English
- (Rare) The editorial was a monstering piece, filled with personal insults.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The CEO was given a monstering by shareholders at the AGM over the failed merger."
Academic
Rare. May appear in media studies discussing press behaviour: "The tabloid's relentless monstering of the politician shaped public opinion."
Everyday
"My football team got a proper monstering last weekend, lost 5-0."
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “monstering”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “monstering”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “monstering”
- Using it in formal American English where it's unknown.
- Confusing it with the noun 'monstering' as an act of creating monsters.
- Incorrectly assuming it is a standard, neutral synonym for 'criticising'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is informal and colloquial, most at home in journalism, sports commentary, and everyday speech, particularly in British and Australian English.
Almost never. It inherently describes an aggressive, negative, and often overwhelming attack. In sports, it describes a defeat so complete it is humiliating.
'Monstering' is an extreme form of criticism. It implies force, relentlessness, a lack of fairness, and often a public or humiliating dimension. Standard criticism can be measured and constructive; monstering is not.
Generally, no. It is not part of the common American lexicon. Using synonyms like 'savaging', 'lambasting', or 'trashing' will be more readily understood.
The action of severely and relentlessly criticising, attacking, or bullying someone, often publicly.
Monstering: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɒn.stə.rɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɑːn.stɚ.ɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to give someone a (proper) monstering”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a MONSTER verbally attacking someone. 'Monstering' is what the monster is doing.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRITICISM/ATTACK IS A MONSTROUS ASSAULT. The target is portrayed as a victim of a savage, inhuman force.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'monstering' LEAST likely to be used?