pummel
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈpʌməl/
KK: /ˈpʌməl/
noun
Definition
The action of hitting someone repeatedly, especially with your fists.
Example
After the argument, he gave his opponent a pummel that left him on the ground.
Conversation
Did you see that fight last night?
Yeah, it was wild! The pummel they were giving each other was intense.
I know, right? It looked like they were going all out.
Definitely! I can't believe how much energy they had.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
blow
strike
hit
Antonyms
caress
embrace
hug
transitive verb
Definition
To hit or strike someone repeatedly, usually with your fists.
Example
The boxer pummeled his opponent during the match.
Tense Forms
Past: pummeled
Past Participle: pummeled
Conversation
Did you see that fight last night?
Yeah, it was crazy! They really started to pummel each other.
I know, right? It looked like they were going all out!
Root Explanation
Pummel → The word originates from Middle English 'pommel', which comes from Old French 'pomel', meaning a small ball or knob. The term originally referred to the rounded end of a sword's hilt, and over time, it evolved to describe the action of striking or beating with a fist, resembling the motion of hitting with a rounded object.
Memory Tip
Imagine striking with a rounded object, like a small ball ('pommel'), to remember that 'pummel' means to hit or beat.
Visually Confused Words
wummel
tummel
pommel
kummel
hummel
dummel
pume