verb
carpet
To scold someone severely.
The headmaster carpets the older pupils for damaging the classroom furniture.
Etymology
The verb comes from the expression on the carpet, used for being summoned before someone in authority. The carpeted setting became associated with a severe reprimand delivered there.
More examples
- The officer was carpeted over the missing equipment.
- She expects to be carpeted for the costly mistake.
- The novel's manager carpets anyone who arrives late.
Forms
carpet · carpets · carpeted · carpeting