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Cudgel Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cudgel

[ˈkʌdʒəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

weapon

A short thick stick used as a weapon; a club.

Synonyms

baton, bludgeon, club, stick.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cudgel

A short, thick stick used as a weapon. Often implies a simple, crude tool used for hitting.

  • He picked up a cudgel to defend himself against the attackers.
  • The knight fought with a sword, while the peasant wielded a cudgel.
club

A thick, heavy stick used as a weapon or for sports. It has a broader use, including both primitive tools and modern sports equipment.

  • The caveman carried a club to hunt animals.
  • He hit the golf ball with his club.
stick

A general term for a long, thin piece of wood. Versatile in use, can be a walking aid, tool, or simple weapon.

  • She used a stick to help her walk on the uneven path.
  • The children played games with a stick and a ball.
baton

A thin stick often used by conductors of orchestras, leaders in parades, or police officers. It suggests a sense of authority or control.

  • The conductor raised his baton and the orchestra began to play.
  • The police officer directed traffic with his baton.
bludgeon

A heavy stick with a thick end, used as a weapon. Carries a strong connotation of brutality and violence.

  • He was attacked with a bludgeon and barely survived.
  • The criminal carried a bludgeon for intimidation.

Examples of usage

  • He defended himself with a cudgel against the attackers.
  • The robbers were armed with cudgels.
Context #2 | Verb

fighting

To beat with a cudgel.

Examples of usage

  • The guards threatened to cudgel the prisoner if he didn't cooperate.
  • He was cudgelled by his opponents during the brawl.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'cudgel'

The word 'cudgel' originated in Middle English from the Old English word 'cycgel', meaning a short stick used as a weapon. The term has been used since the 14th century to refer to a club-like weapon. Cudgels were commonly used in medieval times as a simple and effective weapon in combat or for self-defense.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,800, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.