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.

Wales hit back almost immediately off line-out ball, Kelsey Jones finding Bethan Lewis before joining the back of the rolling maul and dotting down.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

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

Referee Luke Pearce ruled that Exeter has pulled the maul to ground, but were entitled to do so as all their players were back over their own line.

From BBC • Dec. 22, 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

“This is a holy place. Yield, and we—” The giant bellowed again, a sound that shook the leaves in the trees, and slammed his maul against the ground.

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

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