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Pelting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pelting

[ˈpɛltɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

throwing repeatedly

To pelt means to throw something at someone or something with force and persistence. It is often used in the context of throwing objects like stones or snowballs. The act can also refer to being bombarded with insults or heavy rain.

Synonyms

assail, barrage, bombard.

Examples of usage

  • The children were pelting each other with snowballs.
  • The protesters began pelting the police with rocks.
  • Heavy rain was pelting against the window.
  • She felt as though the criticisms were pelting her from every direction.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Weather Phenomena

  • During severe storms, pelting rain can lead to heavy flooding due to rapid accumulation.
  • Pelting can also describe hailstorms, where ice pellets fall from the sky, creating a hard impact sound.
  • In weather reporting, 'pelting' is used to convey urgency and severity of rainfall conditions.

Sports Terminology

  • In sports like baseball, a 'pelting' throw might mean a fast and powerful pitch aimed at striking out a batter.
  • Cricket commentators might refer to a fast bowler delivering a 'pelting' ball to describe a swift and aggressive delivery.
  • Pelting in sports often elevates the intensity of the game, highlighting the pressure between competing teams.

Cultural References

  • In some children's stories, characters 'pelt' each other with snowballs, turning it into a playful scene.
  • The phrase 'pelted with questions' is commonly used to describe a situation where someone is overwhelmed by inquiries, much like being hit repeatedly.
  • Pelting is used in festivals or games where people might throw things like water balloons at one another.

Origin of 'pelting'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'pelting' comes from the Old English 'pelten', meaning 'to throw' or 'to beat'.
  • Historically, it refers to the action of throwing objects, which evolved to describe anything that falls rapidly.
  • In Middle English, it also related to the idea of something hard hitting quickly, like an attack.

The word 'pelting' originates from the Old English 'pealtian', which meant to strike or to hit. The root word can be traced back to Germanic origins, related to the Old Norse word 'pelta', meaning 'to throw' or 'to strike'. Over time, the usage of 'pelting' evolved to encompass a variety of meanings associated with throwing objects with speed and force. In contemporary English, it is primarily associated with throwing things in a violent or energetic manner, often depicting an action that is fast-paced and relentless. The word showcases the duality of its meanings, from physical actions such as throwing objects to metaphorical usages like receiving criticism or rain incessantly.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,952, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.