belabor

belabor — verb

  • belaborpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • belabors3rd person singular
  • belaboring-ing form
  • belaboredpast simple

1. to speak to or about someone in a sharply negative way, often returning to the s

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

to speak to or about someone in a sharply negative way, often returning to the same fault again and again

例句

The radio host belabored the mayor for wasting money on banners.

belabor + person + for + mistake

Jenna kept belaboring her brother over the dent in the car door.

同義詞
  • criticize

    the broad neutral verb for pointing out faults

  • berate

    sounds angrier and more direct, often face to face

  • attack

    is stronger and can suggest open hostility

反義詞
  • praise

    expresses approval instead of blame

  • defend

    supports someone rather than criticizing them

文法句型

belabor + person

belabor + person + for/about + fault

用法筆記

Object is usually a person or group receiving strong blame, often followed by for or about plus the offense. Distinguish from sense 3, where the speaker dwells on a topic rather than attacking a target.

2. to strike a person or thing again and again with heavy force

2.動詞及物C2
釋義

to strike a person or thing again and again with heavy force

例句

Minho belabored the frozen lock with a metal hammer.

belabor + object + with + tool

Waves belabored the old pier through the night storm.

同義詞
  • batter

    emphasizes repeated heavy blows, especially to an object

  • pound

    is a common everyday verb for striking again and again

  • thrash

    usually suggests a violent beating of a person

反義詞
  • spare

    means not to strike or harm

  • protect

    means keeping someone or something from harm

文法句型

belabor + person/object

belabor + object + with + tool

用法筆記

Object can be a person or a physical thing, and the verb suggests repeated blows rather than a single hit. Distinguish from sense 1, which uses words instead of force.

3. to keep going over a point longer than needed, giving it more detail or attentio

3.動詞及物C1
釋義

to keep going over a point longer than needed, giving it more detail or attention than it deserves

例句

The lecturer belabored one slide until half the class stopped taking notes.

belabor + topic beyond what is needed

Ada belabored the budget issue long after everyone understood the plan.

同義詞
  • dwell on

    often means staying on a subject longer than is helpful

  • harp on

    is more informal and often sounds annoyed

  • overexplain

    focuses on giving more detail than the listener needs

反義詞
  • summarize

    gives only the main points

  • move on

    stops discussing the topic and continues

文法句型

belabor + point/topic

belabor + issue + with extra detail

用法筆記

Object is usually a point, issue, or explanation rather than a person. Distinguish from sense 1, where the repeated focus falls on blaming someone.