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Definition of bludgeon

bludgeon

/ˈblʌdʒ.ən/
blud · geon
Plural:bludgeons
•
Past Simple:bludgeoned
•
Past Participle:bludgeoned
•
Present Participle:bludgeoning
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bludgeon Lexical Profile

bludgeon Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A thick, heavy stick or short club with one end weighted or thicker than the other, used for striking.

Example

"The historical exhibit featured a carved wooden bludgeon from the eighteenth century."

Synonyms
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• verb

1

To beat or strike repeatedly with a heavy club or blunt object.

Example

"In the mystery novel, the detective deduced how the culprit had managed to bludgeon the locked chest open."

2

To bully, coerce, or force someone into doing something through relentless pressure or intimidation.

Example

"The committee chair tried to bludgeon the dissenting members into accepting the budget proposal without debate."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for bludgeon

• Nearby Words

blowy
blubber
blubbery
bludgeon
blue
blue and yellow macaw
blue catfish

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the mid-18th century in thieves' cant, the word is of unknown origin, though it may be related to the dialectical term 'bludge', meaning to swell.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Bludgeon. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/bludgeon
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