Meaning & Definition of word "Maul"

Maul

/mɔːl/

noun:

  • 1. A heavy hammer used for driving spikes or wedges.
    • Example: The carpenter picked up the maul to drive the wooden stakes into the ground.

verb:

  • 1. To injure someone or something seriously by biting, clawing, or tearing.
    • Example: The bear began to maul the unfortunate camper who had strayed too close.
  • 2. To handle or treat something in a rough manner.
    • Example: He seemed to maul the dough rather than knead it properly.

Etymology

Middle English 'malen', from Old French 'mauler' meaning to bruise or handle roughly.

Common Phrases and Expressions

maul someone:

To attack someone and cause severe injuries.

maul down:

To cause to fall or be destroyed through violent attack.

Related Words

mangle:

To injure very seriously by cutting, tearing, or crushing.

brawl:

A noisy fight in a crowd.

Slang Meanings of maul

Meaning: To mess up or ruin something.

Example Sentence: He totally mauled the presentation with his mistakes.

Meaning: To attack someone verbally.

Example Sentence: She mauled his argument during the debate.