Definitions

maul

[mawl] / mɔl /

VERB

mangle, abuse

Synonyms

STRONGEST

beat up bludgeon drub lacerate molest mug pummel rough up thrash trample

STRONG

bang bash batter beat buffet claw clean flagellate flail hit hurt ill-treat lash maltreat muscle paste paw pelt pound skin wax whip

WEAK

break face handle roughly knock about knock around lean on let have it put in the hospital take care of work over

Antonyms

STRONGEST

protect

STRONG

aid assist help lose surrender

WEAK

guard maintain take care

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Wales stayed in the fight, and while usually conceding on the stroke of half-time, pulled one back off another well-worked driving maul, with Jones dotting down.

From BBC • May 17, 2026

Hooker Amy Cokayne rumbled over at the back of the maul, and replacement prop Sarah Bern also crashed through from close range twice.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

The forwards took the fight to France with relish, thumping into contact, scuttling several scrums and making the driving maul a weapon against a heavier pack.

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2026

Marchand celebrated his 50th cap with a try early in the second half with a well-constructed driving maul score.

From BBC • Feb. 15, 2026

“You have very limited powers of spontaneous thought. I knew you’d thought that up a long time ago. I maul you when it’s just my mind against your mind.”

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy

Vocabulary lists containing maul

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Touching Spirit Bear

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Night

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!