doormat

[ dawr-mat, dohr- ]

/ ˈdɔrˌmæt, ˈdoʊr- /

a mat, usually placed before a door or other entrance, for people arriving to wipe their shoes on before entering.

a person who is the habitual object of abuse or humiliation by another.

Origin of doormat

First recorded in 1655–65; door + mat¹

Still, Molly Parmeter couldn't believe it when a thick embossed letter from Saint James's Palace arrived on her doormat.

Kate Middleton Refuses To Name Her Favorite Piece of Clothing |Tom Sykes |November 12, 2013 |DAILY BEAST
But who knows, years of being a doormat may finally erupt, much like Ndamukong Suh did last year when he stomped on another guy.

A Dummies Guide to the NFL’s Thanksgiving Games |Sujay Kumar |November 22, 2012 |DAILY BEAST
If he wins the presidency, will Romney drag his party toward the center or become a doormat for the arch-conservative wing?

Predicting How Romney Might Govern Requires Multiple Scenarios |Eleanor Clift |October 26, 2012 |DAILY BEAST
His rookie flailing set back the peace process (such as it was) and made him look like a doormat.

Obama: Eisenhower Republican? |Noah Kristula-Green |July 26, 2012 |DAILY BEAST

Lying on the doormat was another key that allowed entrance into the complex.

NFL Star's Love-Triangle Murder |Christine Pelisek |June 19, 2011 |DAILY BEAST
And anyway he'd be blessed if he lay around in the way any longer like a doormat with "Welcome" inscribed upon the surface.

The Palace of Darkened Windows |Mary Hastings Bradley
Cousin, if you continue in that strain I shall have to take you out on to the doormat and assault you.

The Great Adventure |Arnold Bennett
With unabated cheerfulness he continued to dig in Miss Clementinas geranium bed, and to chew Mr. Maclins doormat.

Ainslee's, Vol. 15, No. 6, July 1905 |Various
Permit me to say, however, that you may use me as a doormat when it is your will and I shall be overwhelmed with joy.

Don Hale with the Flying Squadron |W. Crispin Sheppard
On the front porch he found a small, brown dog busily engaged in reducing the doormat to a pulp.

Ainslee's, Vol. 15, No. 6, July 1905 |Various

doormat

/ (ˈdɔːˌmæt) /

a mat, placed at the entrance to a building, for wiping dirt from shoes

informal a person who offers little resistance to ill-treatment by others