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Definitions

maul

[mawl] / mɔl /
VERB
mangle, abuse
Synonyms
STRONGEST
beat up bludgeon drub lacerate molest mug pummel rough up thrash trample
STRONG
bang bash batter beat buffet claw clean flagellate flail hit hurt ill-treat lash maltreat muscle paste paw pelt pound skin wax whip
WEAK
break face handle roughly knock about knock around lean on let have it put in the hospital take care of work over
Antonyms
STRONGEST
protect
STRONG
aid assist help lose surrender
WEAK
guard maintain take care

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Marchand celebrated his 50th cap with a try early in the second half with a well-constructed driving maul score.

From BBC • Feb. 15, 2026

Ashman bundled over after a powerful surge from the pack and Savea was sent to the bin for an infringement during that maul.

From BBC • Nov. 8, 2025

Hooker Julien Marchand bulldozed over from a rolling maul and wing Ange Capuozzo finished a smart move in the corner as Toulouse romped into a 14-0 lead.

From Barron's • Oct. 18, 2025

Cokayne scoring off a driving maul was the opposite in terms of star quality to the first try, but was just as important.

From BBC • Sep. 27, 2025

The giant’s pace was a ponderous one, despite the length and girth of those legs, and he was forever stopping to knock snow off low-hanging limbs with his maul.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin