- GAUNTLET
- I(Roget's 3 Superthesaurus) v[GONT lit]an outmoded form of punishment in which a soldier was forced to run between two lines ofmen, who would hit him withclubs, knotted ropes, etc., as he passed. In modern use, any multidirectional ordeal, punishment criticism, etc.Politicians with unpopular ideas are forced to run the gantlet of public opinion.SYN.: face one's punishment, take potshots, be a target, be a whipping boy, face criticsm, *run an emotional minefield.II(Roget's 3 Superthesaurus) [GONT lit]to challenge another, as to a fight or debate.She questioned his credibility and thus officially threw down the gauntlet.SYN.: challenge, dare, invite to debate, invite to do battle, contest, start trouble, defy, invite for a face-off, provoke, confront, accost, stand up to.ANT.: back off, acquiesce
English dictionary for students. 2013.