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

In a darkly comic turn, the father hopes to regain enough weight post-surgery to pummel his ex-wife’s divorce lawyer. — Anna Mebel, JSTOR Daily, 17 Sep. 2026

Orange County declared a state of emergency after powerful waves pummeled its beaches, causing severe coastal erosion and damaging seaside communities. — Michele Gile, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026

Many investors have focused on short-or ultra-short-term bonds lately to sidestep bond market volatility that has pummeled prices as rates rise due to concerns over broader economic issues like inflation and the federal deficit. — Cheryl Winokur Munk, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026

On that particular day, Chiefs fans were still smarting after their team had wrapped up a 2-14 season just 48 hours earlier by being pummeled by the Broncos 38-3 in Denver. — Dominick Williams, Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 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