EnglishClub ESL Forums

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."

Research completed: 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.

England are up and running in the Rugby League World Cup, defenestrating a hapless Ireland, the final score an embarrassing 42-0.

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.

England had their window of opportunity against Australia and defenestrated the Wallabies, but Milloud-Ibanez-De Villiers are a different proposition

Rivers defenestrated Gomez with an uppercut in the third round.

Anybody, please.

Personally, no. But then I don't read sports pages. Given that one dictionary definition of defenestrate is "remove from a position of power" it seems reasonably used by extension in many of the examples you give. On the other hand, it would seem more appropriately used in a circumstance such as "they were relegated to the bottom league" rather than just "he lost the fight"

Personally, my only encounter with this verb has been when used (usually humorously) to mean "throw out of a window".

Just my two cents. Hope it helps.