Maul Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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maul

[mɔːl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

animal

A maul is a heavy hammer with a long handle, used for driving wedges or posts into the ground.

Synonyms

maul hammer, sledgehammer.

Examples of usage

  • He used a maul to drive the stakes into the ground.
  • The lumberjack swung the maul with great force.
Context #2 | Verb

attack

To maul means to wound by scratching and tearing.

Synonyms

attack, maim.

Examples of usage

  • The bear mauled the hiker in the woods.
  • The dog mauled the intruder.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Wildlife Behavior

  • Predatory animals, like bears and big cats, use their claws and teeth to maul their prey, ensuring a swift kill.
  • Mating rituals among some species can involve aggressive behaviors, where males may maul one another to establish dominance.
  • Some animals, when feeling threatened, may maul to defend themselves and their territory from intruders.

Pop Culture

  • In many action movies, the term 'maul' is associated with brutal fight scenes where characters face intense violence.
  • The term has been referenced in songs and literature, often symbolizing fierce struggle or conflict.
  • A popular fictional character, Wolverine from the X-Men, is known for his aggressive fighting style, which could be described as mauling.

Sports

  • In rugby, a 'maul' occurs when a player with the ball is held by opponents and players from both teams bind together, often resulting in a struggle for possession.
  • Combat sports sometimes use the term 'maul' to describe a fight where one fighter is overpowering the other with relentless force.
  • Mixed Martial Arts fighters might employ mauling tactics to wear down their opponents through physical dominance.

Psychological Aspect

  • The idea of mauling can represent psychological aggression, where emotional wounds can feel just as brutal as physical ones.
  • In some narratives, characters experiencing trauma may be interpreted as being 'maul-ed' by their circumstances or past, highlighting the impact of violence.
  • The term can symbolize struggles in relationships, where individuals feel 'maul-ed' by their partner's harsh words or actions.

Origin of 'maul'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'maul' originates from the Old French word 'mauler', which means to handle or move roughly.
  • It has roots in the Proto-Germanic language, possibly linked to the word for 'to smash' or 'to crush'.
  • The usage of 'maul' as a term for animal attacks dates back to the 14th century.

The word 'maul' originated from the Old French word 'mail,' which meant a large hammer. Over time, the meaning evolved to include the act of attacking or wounding. The term has been used in English since the 13th century.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,445 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.