pummel

verb

pum·​mel ˈpə-məl 

pummeled also pummelled; pummeling also pummelling ˈpə-mə-liŋ 

ˈpəm-liŋ

: pound, beat

Synonyms

• bash
• baste
• bat
• batter
• beat
• belabor
• belt
• birch
• bludgeon
• buffet
• bung up
• club
• curry
• do
• drub
• fib [British]
• flog
• hammer
• hide
• lace
• lambaste
• lambast
• lash
• lather
• lick
• maul
• mess (up)
• paddle
• pelt
• pommel
• pound
• punch out
• rough (up)
• slate
• slog
• switch
• tan
• thrash
• thresh
• thump
• tromp
• wallop
• whale
• whip
• whop
• whap
• whup
• work over

Examples of pummel in a Sentence

pummeled the mugger with her fists until help arrived

Recent Examples on the Web

Just cue up viral videos of rival fans in other sports leagues pummeling each other in the stands, or adults shouting obscenities at one another in front of children. —Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2024

In Yuma, in northeast Colorado, hail ranging from golf ball to softball size pummeled the area, causing damage to cars and buildings. —Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 21 May 2024

One of the journalists confronted the attackers and shoved one before he was pummeled to the ground and beaten, according to video footage of the incident. —Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 16 May 2024

Millions across the Southeast braced for another round of severe weather on Tuesday after deadly storms pummeled the region a day earlier, causing widespread flooding, mass power outages and claimed at least two lives. —Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 14 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

alteration of pommel

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

pummel

verb

pum·​mel ˈpəm-əl 

pummeled or pummelled; pummeling or pummelling -(ə-)liŋ 

1

: pound entry 3 sense 2a, beat

knead and pummel the dough

2

: to defeat decisively

pummeled the competition