What does maul mean?
A maul is a violent, repeated striking that can severely injure a person or damage an object. As a verb, it is used for attacks involving heavy blows and often implies that the victim has been badly hurt or physically overwhelmed. The related noun refers to the blow itself or to a brutal assault. Although the word can describe a beating, maul more specifically suggests a sustained or savage attack rather than a single strike. In figurative use, it can characterize overwhelming treatment, such as a severe defeat in sport or a process that exhausts or damages its participants. Maul is established in British and American English and is especially common in news reports and accounts of physical violence.
To strike, beat, or crush someone or something repeatedly and violently, causing serious injury or damage.
"The crowd mauled the barriers as the concert ended."
Often used for attacks that are sustained and brutal rather than for a single blow.
A heavy or violent blow, or a severe physical assault.
"The victim received a mauling before the police arrived."
Common in phrases such as “take a mauling,” where it can also refer figuratively to a crushing defeat.
The plural is used when referring to multiple heavy blows, acts of assault, or instances of mauling.
"The boxer delivered several mauls to his opponent's guard."
A maul is not merely a hit: it suggests a brutal, sustained assault that leaves its target badly damaged.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does maul come from?
The word comes through Old French from the Latin malleus, meaning “hammer,” and reflects the image of a heavy, crushing blow. English developed both the verb and noun in Middle English from this French source. The same Latin root is reflected in related words such as mallet and malleable, and it is also cognate with the English word hammer through Germanic inheritance.
Related word forms
How maul is actually used
The word is strongly violent and often implies injury or serious damage. It is used in both literal and figurative contexts, such as describing a severe sporting defeat or a punishing process.
Easily confused with maul
A mallet is a tool with a heavy head used to strike objects, whereas a maul is the act or result of striking someone or something violently.