suplex: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare/TechnicalTechnical (combat sports), Informal/Humorous (extended figurative use)
Quick answer
What does “suplex” mean?
A professional wrestling/combat sports throw or takedown where the attacker lifts their opponent horizontally overhead, then falls backwards to slam them onto their back/shoulders.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A professional wrestling/combat sports throw or takedown where the attacker lifts their opponent horizontally overhead, then falls backwards to slam them onto their back/shoulders.
In informal or figurative usage, to forcefully throw someone or something down, or to decisively defeat or overcome someone, often with the connotation of a dramatic and impactful action. Sometimes used humorously outside of combat contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant linguistic difference. Usage is identical and dictated by familiarity with the sport (e.g., WWE, UFC) which has a strong presence in both cultures.
Connotations
Identical connotations: physical dominance, theatricality (in wrestling), technical skill (in martial arts), or humorous exaggeration (in figurative speech).
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both varieties, with identical distribution among fan communities.
Grammar
How to Use “suplex” in a Sentence
VERB + OBJECT: He suplexed his opponent.VERB + OBJECT + ADVERBIAL: He suplexed him into the turnbuckle.BE + past participle + PREP: He was suplexed onto the mat.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “suplex” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The wrestler from Leeds suplexed his rival with incredible force.
- In the final move, she suplexed her opponent straight onto the padded mat.
American English
- The fighter suplexed his opponent right out of the octagon.
- He threatened to suplex anyone who disagreed with him.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable; the word is not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable; the word is not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The suplex manoeuvre was perfectly executed.
- He is known for his devastating suplex finish.
American English
- That was a suplex move for the ages.
- She has a great suplex variation in her arsenal.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used. In metaphorical humor: "The merger suplexed our smaller competitors out of the market."
Academic
Only in sports science or kinesiology studies related to martial arts.
Everyday
Rare. Only used humorously or descriptively by fans: "My cat just suplexed my phone off the table."
Technical
The primary context. Precise descriptions of techniques in wrestling, judo, submission grappling, etc.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “suplex”
- Incorrect conjugation: 'suplexed' is the standard past tense, not 'suplext'.
- Using it as a general synonym for 'push' or 'hit'. It specifically involves lifting and a backward fall.
- Misspelling as 'supplex'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. It is a legitimate technical term in sports like judo and submission grappling. Its use in everyday English is rare and usually humorous, borrowed from these sports.
A suplex typically involves the attacker falling backwards while holding the opponent, landing the opponent on their upper back/shoulders. A body slam often involves slamming the opponent down in front of or beside the attacker, landing them more on their back or midsection.
Yes, very commonly. e.g., 'He suplexed his opponent.' The past tense and past participle are 'suplexed'.
Its pronunciation (silent 'p' for many, the 'su-' vs 'syu-' difference) can be tricky. More importantly, its meaning is hyper-specific, so using it in general conversation will often confuse listeners unfamiliar with combat sports.
A professional wrestling/combat sports throw or takedown where the attacker lifts their opponent horizontally overhead, then falls backwards to slam them onto their back/shoulders.
Suplex is usually technical (combat sports), informal/humorous (extended figurative use) in register.
Suplex: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsjuːplɛks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsuːplɛks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Suplex City (originated from WWE wrestler Brock Lesnar; a state of being repeatedly suplexed or dominated)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: "SUP"ply a painful PLExus (of nerves) by throwing someone on their back.
Conceptual Metaphor
WINNING IS PHYSICAL DOMINATION. A powerful move metaphorically represents a decisive victory or humiliating defeat.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'suplex' most precisely and commonly used?