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Pummel Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pummel

[ˈpʌməl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

physical action

To repeatedly hit or strike someone or something with force, usually with fists or a heavy object. The action is often aggressive and can result in injury or damage.

Synonyms

assault, bash, beat, pound, thrash.

Examples of usage

  • The boxer pummeled his opponent with a series of powerful punches.
  • The angry mob pummeled the car with sticks and rocks.
Context #2 | Verb

figurative usage

To criticize or attack someone verbally or in writing, often in a harsh or relentless manner.

Synonyms

attack, berate, condemn, criticize, lambaste.

Examples of usage

  • The journalist pummeled the politician in her latest article.
  • The critics pummeled the movie for its lack of originality.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Sports

  • In boxing, to 'pummel' is often used to describe a fighter's strategy of throwing a series of strong punches.
  • Martial arts training often includes techniques that teach practitioners to 'pummel' their opponents through rapid, effective strikes.
  • The term is also used in mixed martial arts, where competitors may try to pummel their opponents to gain control on the ground.

Literature

  • In George Orwell's '1984', the concept of 'pummeling' is occasionally linked to the oppressive force of the regime against citizens.
  • The term is used metaphorically in many poems to describe emotional or physical turmoil, expressing the impact of hardships as if being hit repeatedly.
  • Numerous action novels depict heroes who must 'pummel' their foes in fights, emphasizing themes of struggle and resilience.

Psychology

  • Psychologically, the concept of 'pummeling' can symbolize the internal battles people face, where exhaustion from stress feels like being physically hit.
  • Some therapeutic practices suggest that expressing anger through physical activity can help release pent-up feelings, similar to the idea of 'pummeling' a punching bag.
  • Using play fighting in therapy, children often reenact 'pummeling' as a way to cope with feelings of frustration or conflict.

Origin of 'pummel'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'pummel' comes from the Middle English word 'pomel', meaning to beat or strike.
  • Its roots trace back to the Old French term 'pommel', which referred to the rounded part of a sword's hilt, symbolizing force in battle.
  • The transition of meaning from a part of a sword to striking suggests a historical connection to combat and aggression.

The word 'pummel' originates from the Middle English word 'pomelen', which means to strike or beat. It has been used in the English language since the 15th century. The term is often associated with physical aggression and forceful actions, reflecting its usage in describing intense and forceful striking or criticism.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,043, 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.