Vapulate is a relatively uncommon word that means to defeat thoroughly or to beat severely. If you're looking for some synonyms for vapulate, there are a few alternatives to consider. One option is to say that someone was pummeled, which implies a sustained beating with the fists or another blunt object. A similar word is thrashed, which suggests a frenzied and violent attack. Another synonym for vapulate is routed, which conveys the idea of a one-sided victory in a battle or war. Depending on the context, you might also use words like trounced, crushed, or annihilated to capture the sense of a decisive defeat.