punchbag

English

Etymology

From punch +‎ bag.

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˈpʌnt͡ʃbæɡ/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /ˈpʌnt͡ʃˌbæɡ/, [ˈpən(t)ʃ-]
• Hyphenation: punch‧bag

Noun

punchbag (plural punchbags) (chiefly British)

1. Synonym of punching bag
   1. A tough bag, usually cylindrical, filled with air, sand, or other material, and suspended so that swings freely, which is punched or kicked when practising sports such as boxing or martial arts.
   2. (figuratively) A person serving as an object of abuse.