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Mauling: meaning, definitions and examples

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mauling

 

[mɔː.lɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

animal attack

To maul means to injure someone or something by scratching and tearing. This term is commonly associated with animal attacks where wild animals, such as dogs or bears, inflict serious injuries. Mauling can result in severe wounds and is often described as a violent assault. The act can vary in severity, from minor injuries to fatal consequences.

Synonyms

assault, attack, chew, devour, mangle.

Examples of usage

  • The bear mauled the camper while he was sleeping.
  • The dog was trained not to maul any intruders.
  • She received multiple stitches after being mauled by the tiger.
  • A lion mauled a wildlife photographer during a safari.
Context #2 | Noun

violent attack

A mauling refers to a violent and serious injurious encounter, typically involving an animal attacking a person. The implications of a mauling can be serious, often leading to hospitalization or long-term trauma for the victim. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe a severe criticism or a harsh encounter in a competitive context.

Synonyms

assault, assaulting, attack, battering.

Examples of usage

  • The mauling left the hiker in critical condition.
  • Witnesses reported a terrifying mauling at the zoo.
  • He was a victim of a brutal mauling by a stray dog.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • Originates from the Middle English word 'maule', which means 'to spoil or to misuse'.
  • The term has evolved to specifically describe violent attacks by animals, particularly larger predators.
  • Historical usage often linked 'maul' to physical altercations, extending its application to both human and animal behavior.

Wildlife Behavior

  • Predatory animals often maul their prey to subdue and consume them, demonstrating natural hunting instincts.
  • Incidents of mauling can vary widely, from minor injuries to fatal outcomes, heavily influenced by the animal's size and strength.
  • Bears are famously known for mauling incidents, particularly in regions where human encounters become more frequent.

Media and Culture

  • Mauling often features in horror films as a shocking event, creating tension by showcasing the raw power of nature.
  • In literature, mauling can symbolize underlying themes of survival and the primal aspects of humanity, reflecting the struggle between civilization and the wild.
  • Fictional portrayals often exaggerate animal maulings to emphasize their ferocity, impacting public perception of wildlife.

Psychology

  • Maulings can induce deep fear in people, impacting their relationship with nature and wildlife.
  • Survivors of animal maulings sometimes experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), highlighting the psychological aftermath of violent encounters.
  • The fear of mauling can lead to increased caution and innovative safety measures in wildlife tourism and outdoor activities.

Legal Context

  • Legislation often exists to protect both humans and animals in areas where maulings can occur, providing guidelines for responsible human behavior.
  • In some jurisdictions, dangerous animals that have a history of mauling may be subject to euthanasia to safeguard communities.
  • Lawsuits can arise following maulings, with discussions around liability focusing on owners and handlers of potentially dangerous animals.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,000, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.