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Definition of bushwhacked

bushwhacked

/ˈbʊʃˌwækt/
bush · whacked
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bushwhacked Lexical Profile

bushwhacked Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

North American Caught off guard, ambushed, or subjected to a sudden, unexpected difficulty or confrontation.

Example

"The spokesperson felt completely bushwhacked by the reporter's sudden and aggressive line of questioning."

2

Australian Completely exhausted, worn out, or overcome by fatigue.

Example

"After spending twelve hours repairing fences in the summer heat, the farmhands were utterly bushwhacked."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

bushtit
bushwalking
bushwhack
bushwhacked
bushy
busily
business

Word Origin & Etymology

Originating in 19th-century American English, the term comes from the practice of clearing a path by beating back bushes and undergrowth, which later evolved during the American Civil War to describe guerrilla fighters launching surprise attacks from the brush.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Bushwhacked. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/bushwhacked
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