pummel
pummel Lexical Profile
pummel Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To strike repeatedly with the fists, or (of waves, wind, or rain) to batter heavily and continuously.
"Towering ocean waves continued to pummel the rocky coastline throughout the winter storm."
To defeat decisively in a competition, or to subject to severe criticism or financial loss.
"The visiting basketball team managed to pummel the defending champions by thirty points."
Word Nuance & Usage
While "pummel" is the dominant spelling for the verb meaning to strike repeatedly, "pommel" is the standard spelling for the noun referring to the rounded knob on a sword hilt or the raised front of a saddle.
• Rhymes for pummel
Word Origin & Etymology
Emerged in the mid-16th century as a verb derived from the noun "pommel" (originally referring to the heavy, rounded knob on the hilt of a sword used to strike an opponent), from Old French pomel ('little apple'), ultimately from Late Latin pomum ('fruit' or 'apple').