punching bag

noun
UK: /ˈpʌntʃɪŋ bæɡ/
US: /ˈpʌntʃɪŋ bæɡ/

  1. A padded bag, usually shaped like a person, that is hung up and punched as a form of exercise or to release anger.

    1. He uses a punching bag to get some exercise at the boxing gym now.
    2. When she's stressed, she hits the punching bag in her basement to calm down.

  2. A person who is frequently the target of criticism or abuse.

    1. The new employee felt like the office punching bag after the meeting today.
    2. He's tired of being the punching bag for everyone's frustrations at work everyday.

Synonyms

heavy bag scapegoat whipping boy
punching bag transitive-verb

  1. To use someone as the target of criticism or abuse.

    1. I don't like punching bag her, but she's done awful things to me.
    2. Stop punching bag him; it's not fair to treat your friend that way here.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "punching bag" in English means: A padded bag, usually shaped like a person, that is hung up and punched as a form of exercise or to release anger., A person who is frequently the target of criticism or abuse..

The phonetic transcription of "punching bag" is /ˈpʌntʃɪŋ bæɡ/ in British English and /ˈpʌntʃɪŋ bæɡ/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "punching bag": heavy bag, scapegoat, whipping boy.

Example usage of "punching bag": "He uses a punching bag to get some exercise at the boxing gym now.". More examples on the page.