Keelhauled: meaning, definitions and examples

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keelhauled

 

[ ˈkiːl.hɔːld ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

maritime punishment

To keelhaul is a form of punishment used at sea, typically applied to sailors who have committed serious offenses. The sailor is tied to a rope and dragged under the ship's keel, often resulting in severe injury or death. This brutal method was intended as both punishment and a deterrent to others.

Synonyms

harsh discipline, punishment.

Examples of usage

  • The captain threatened to keelhaul any mutineers.
  • In olden days, pirates often keelhauled their prisoners.
  • He was found guilty of stealing and was keelhauled as punishment.

Translations

Translations of the word "keelhauled" in other languages:

🇵🇹 arrastado pelo fundo do mar

🇮🇳 नीचे खींचा जाना

🇩🇪 über Bord gezogen

🇮🇩 ditarik ke bawah

🇺🇦 потягнутий під кораблем

🇵🇱 ciągnięty pod wodą

🇯🇵 船の底で引きずられる

🇫🇷 traîné sous le navire

🇪🇸 arrastrado por el fondo del mar

🇹🇷 gemi altına sürüklenmek

🇰🇷 배 밑으로 끌려가다

🇸🇦 سحب تحت السفينة

🇨🇿 tažen pod lodí

🇸🇰 ťahaný pod loďou

🇨🇳 被拖到船底

🇸🇮 potegnjeno pod ladjo

🇮🇸 dragður undir skipinu

🇰🇿 кеменің астынан тарту

🇬🇪 გემის ქვეშ გაწვდილი

🇦🇿 gəmiyə altından çəkilmək

🇲🇽 arrastrado por el fondo del mar

Etymology

The term 'keelhaul' has its origins in the Dutch language. It is derived from 'kielhalen', which translates to 'to pull under the keel'. Historically, this method of punishment was practiced in European navies during the Age of Sail, particularly among the Dutch, who were known for their naval prowess. The keel of a ship, being the central structure that gives it stability, was used as the apparatus for this severe punishment. Sailors would be tied to a rope and dragged beneath the ship, which could lead to drowning, severe injuries, and often represented the ultimate form of discipline. The use of this punishment served as a stark reminder of the harsh realities of life at sea, where authority was maintained through fear as much as through respect.