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.
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.