belabour

• Attaquer verbalement ou physiquement quelqu'un, ou discuter de quelque chose de manière excessive et prolongée.

To attack someone verbally or physically, or to discuss something at excessive length.

1. Overwork or dwell onC2formalbritish

   To work on or discuss something to an excessive or absurd length.

   s'attarder (excessivement) sur

   • The speaker belaboured the point until the audience grew restless.
   • There is no need to belabour the obvious; we all understand.
   • He belaboured the argument for hours without adding anything new.

   Synonymesbelabordrag outdwell onfloglaboroverdooveremphasizeoverwork

   Antonymesdismissglossignoreoverlookskimp

2. Beat soundlyC2formalbritish

   To hit or strike someone or something repeatedly and forcefully.

   Battre violemment

   • The farmer belaboured the donkey with a stick.
   • He was belaboured by the mob before the police arrived.
   • The boxer belaboured his opponent with a series of heavy blows.

   Synonymesbatterbeatcudgelhammerpoundpummelstrikethrash

3. Criticize harshlyC2formalbritish

   To attack someone verbally with severe criticism or harsh words.

   critiquer avec virulence

   • The critic belaboured the author for his poorly researched book.
   • She belaboured her assistant for the mistake in the report.
   • The politician was belaboured by the press for his controversial remarks.

   Synonymesattackberatecastigatecensurecondemnlambasterevilescoldvituperate

   Antonymesapplaudcommendcomplimentlaudpraise