Definitions

1. noun

an unexpected or unpleasant surprise, often in the form of a setback or misfortune; a reverse or defeat, especially in sports or games

“The team suffered a whammy when their star player got injured just before the championship game.”

2. noun

a sudden, powerful, or decisive blow or effect

“The new policy was a whammy to the company’s profits.”

3. verb

to deal someone or something a whammy; to cause someone or something to suffer an unexpected or unpleasant setback or misfortune

“The rain whammied our plans to go for a hike.”

4. verb

to cause a sudden, powerful, or decisive effect

“The new tax law whammied the economy.”