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

So the production would brave heavy winds with fireboats that could pummel the main boat with blasts of water to create storm effects. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 14 July 2026

About 21,000 customers lost electricity when storms swept through the Carolinas Friday afternoon, prompting severe thunderstorm warnings and pummeling the Charlotte area. — Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 11 July 2026

In the thermal pool, guests lie or sit on underwater hydro-massage beds and seats while lumbar jets pummel the muscles most nicely. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026

For 20 years, governors in the Top States have touted their CNBC rankings, while political opponents in the also-rans used them to try and pummel the party in power. — Scott Cohn, CNBC, 9 July 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