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.

The opening scores came through his pack as Cokayne, who started and scored in the World Cup final, finished off the back of a rampaging maul and Bern powered over from close range.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

Leading 27-17 with half-time looming, Ellis Genge was sin-binned after referee Nika Amashukeli ruled the prop had dragged down a maul, soon after two quick penalties had handed momentum back to France.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

Exeter, defending a single-point lead, were on the ropes late on against Saracens as the hosts fired up their driven maul and motored towards the line.

From BBC • Dec. 22, 2025

Hooker Julien Marchand bulldozed over from a rolling maul and wing Ange Capuozzo finished a smart move in the corner as Toulouse romped into a 14-0 lead.

From Barron's • Oct. 18, 2025

They would maul me for my pesitos, then how would I get a phone card to call my home, or Toño?

From "Beast Rider" by Tony Johnston & María Elena Fontanot de Rhoads

Vocabulary lists containing maul

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