pummel

[ puhm-uhl ]

verb (used with object)

, pum·meled, pum·mel·ing or (especially British) pum·melled, pum·mel·ling.

1. to beat or thrash with or as if with the fists.

pummel

/ ˈpʌməl /

verb

1. tr to strike repeatedly with or as if with the fists Also (less commonly)pommel

Other Words From

• un·pummeled adjective
• un·pummelled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pummel¹

First recorded in 1540–50; alteration of pommel

Word History and Origins

Origin of pummel¹

C16: see pommel

Example Sentences

It could be argued that their tactic worked and England just did not take the chances that Joseph gave, but they seemed quite surprised by just how hard she was able to pummel the ball to the ropes with the chances bursting through.

From BBC

Overnight and into Saturday, Israeli warplanes continued to pummel Hezbollah-dominated neighborhoods on the city’s southern outskirts, leaving the Lebanese capital shrouded in choking smoke and lending apocalyptic air to the open-air encampments that sprang up overnight.

From Los Angeles Times

In the last week, Israel has refocused its military efforts on Hezbollah and ramped up its attacks in an attempt to pummel the group into a diplomatic solution — even at the risk of a broader regional war that could draw in Iran and the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

Such a strike could last for weeks and pummel the nation’s economy, hurt millions of workers across the U.S., and drag down a president politically.

From Slate

The most recent storm, Ernesto, formed on Aug. 12 and went on to pummel Puerto Rico and Bermuda.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bash
• batter
• crush
• flog
• knock
• lash
• maul
• pelt
• punch
• smack
• thrash
• trounce
• wallop
• whip