pummel

verb

pum·​mel ˈpə-məl 

pummeled also pummelled; pummeling also pummelling ˈpə-mə-liŋ 

ˈpəm-liŋ

: pound, beat

Synonyms of pummel

• lick
• hide
• pound
• beat
• lash
• whip
• pelt
• slap
• hit
• knock
• attack
• punch
• smash
• assault
• thump
• spank
• do
• slam
• batter
• bludgeon
• maul

Examples of pummel in a Sentence

pummeled the mugger with her fists until help arrived

Recent Examples on the Web

The Red Raiders fought on for the last few weeks but weren’t quite the same team and definitely looked like a lesser squad when Iowa State pummeled them 75-53 in a Big 12 quarterfinal game Thursday afternoon. —Tim Cowlishaw, Dallas Morning News, 15 Mar. 2026

Caught on camera, the violent altercation involved multiple suspects pummeling a man while allegedly hurling religious slurs. —Staff, FOXNews.com, 13 Mar. 2026

But as the United States and Israel pummel Iran’s ballistic missile launch capability, the cluster munitions may offer another way for Iran to pierce those defenses. —Jeremy Diamond, CNN Money, 12 Mar. 2026

Iran has continued to pummel its oil-producing neighbors and has threatened to menace the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20 percent of the world’s petroleum normally travels. —Jonathan Lemire, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

alteration of pommel

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pummel

• hummel

Kids Definition

pummel

verb

pum·​mel ˈpəm-əl 

pummeled or pummelled; pummeling or pummelling -(ə-)liŋ 

1

: pound entry 3 sense 2a, beat

knead and pummel the dough

2

: to defeat decisively

pummeled the competition