pistol-whip

[ pis-tl-hwip, -wip ]

verb (used with object)

, pis·tol-whipped, pis·tol-whip·ping.

1. to beat or hit (someone) repeatedly with a pistol, especially in the head and shoulder area.

pistol-whip

verb

1. tr to beat or strike with a pistol barrel

Word History and Origins

Origin of pistol-whip¹

An Americanism dating back to 1940–45

Example Sentences

The gangster beat the former member with a baseball bat, forcibly tattooed the victim’s forehead and also instructed Nelson to pistol-whip the victim in the face.

From Washington Times

After hours of driving and just before daybreak, the men took Till to a tool shed and began to pistol-whip him.

From Seattle Times

Cooke told investigators the plan was to pistol-whip and rob Quigley of money and drugs, but he was stabbed to death when he tried to flee.

From Washington Times

It then shows the assailant take the officer’s gun off of him, repeatedly pistol-whip the officer and point the gun at the officer’s chest at close range.

From Los Angeles Times

Prosecutors wrote that the crew would pistol-whip their victims.

From Washington Times