1
: a short stick that usually has one thick or loaded end and is used as a weapon
2
: something used to attack or bully
the bludgeon of satire
bludgeoned; bludgeoning; bludgeons
1
: to hit with heavy impact
was bludgeoned to death
2
: to attack or overcome by aggressive argument : bully
mental bludgeoning
We do not talk—we bludgeon one another with facts and theories …—
Henry Miller
Henry MillerExamples of bludgeon in a Sentence
Noun
guards armed with bludgeons roamed the compound
Verb
remodelers bludgeoned the wall with a sledgehammer to join the two rooms
the boxer bludgeons opponents with an assortment of punches
Recent Examples on the Web
Jim Root, New York Times, 2 May 2025
Peace in Ukraine and the Middle East is proving to be far harder to achieve than the real estate deals envisaged by the president, while the bludgeon of tariffs is raising ever more opposition among erstwhile allies.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025
Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2025
As in the game, Abby bludgeons Joel to death with a golf club as Ellie (Bella Ramsey) is forced to watch helplessly.
—Jordan Moreau, Variety, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bludgeon
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
Todd Golden could cycle body after body in the paint to bludgeon opponents and wear them down over 40 minutes, and Condon and Rueben Chinyelu, the Gators’ two starters, were crucial parts of that rotation.
—Jim Root, New York Times, 2 May 2025
Peace in Ukraine and the Middle East is proving to be far harder to achieve than the real estate deals envisaged by the president, while the bludgeon of tariffs is raising ever more opposition among erstwhile allies.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025
Verb
And while veteran point guard Courtney Vandersloot will be the primary playmaker, Cardoso will be a connector who bludgeons opponents under the basket while also activating the bulk of the Sky’s second looks.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2025
As in the game, Abby bludgeons Joel to death with a golf club as Ellie (Bella Ramsey) is forced to watch helplessly.
—Jordan Moreau, Variety, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bludgeon
Cite this Entry
“Bludgeon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bludgeon. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share