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Definition of maul
maul
/mɔːl/
maul
Plural:mauls
•Past Simple:mauled
•Past Participle:mauled
•Present Participle:mauling
maul Lexical Profile
CEFR
B2
Grade
8
Tier
2
Usage
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maul Game Scores & Validity
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Wordle Guess
• verb
1
To wound or injure severely by scratching, tearing, or crushing (typically referring to an animal attack).
Example
"The hiker survived the terrifying encounter but was badly mauled by the bear."
2
To handle something or someone roughly, clumsily, or brutally.
Example
"The rare book was practically mauled by careless visitors flipping through its fragile pages."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for maul Antonyms
View all antonyms for maul• noun
1
A heavy hammer, often with a wooden or lead head, used primarily for driving wedges, piles, or stakes.
Example
"The lumberjack swung the heavy steel maul to split the thick oak log in two."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for maul• Rhymes for maul
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English 'malle', via Old French 'mail' from Latin 'malleus', meaning 'hammer'.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Maul. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/maul