pummel

verb

pum·​mel ˈpə-məl 

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

ˈpəm-liŋ

: pound, beat

Synonyms

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

Examples of pummel in a Sentence

pummeled the mugger with her fists until help arrived

Recent Examples on the Web

Harris never mentions an anti-price gouging proposal that got pummeled by some liberal economists. —David Weigel, semafor.com, 22 Sep. 2025

According to new data from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), shocks caused by tariffs are pummeling Southeast and East Asia with ferocity, rivaled narrowly in impact by South Asia and the Pacific. —Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 22 Sep. 2025

The next unethical president on the left will happily use whatever government bludgeon this administration fashions to pummel the right. —Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 20 Sep. 2025

Israel pummels Gaza by cosplaying at self defense. —James Folta september 19, Literary Hub, 19 Sep. 2025

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