What does mauled mean?
Mauled means to attack, crush, or handle something with such violence that it is badly damaged. The word is especially associated with attacks by animals, such as dogs or tigers, but it can also describe a person being beaten or an object being roughly handled. In figurative use, it may suggest that something has been severely damaged or defeated. “Mauled” is more vivid and final than words such as “hit” or “hurt,” because it conveys overwhelming force and the possibility of serious injury. It is recognized in both British and American English and is frequently used in reports of accidents, criminal violence, and animal attacks.
verbTo injure someone severely, especially by biting, clawing, or beating them; to maul something means to handle it roughly or violently.
- To injure someone or something severely, especially by biting, clawing, or beating it.
- To handle or move something roughly and violently.
"The escaped tiger mauled one of the handlers before it was subdued."
"The dog mauled the mail carrier before the police arrived."
"Workers mauled the old crate while trying to free its contents."
“Mauled” evokes the force of a powerful animal attacking someone violently, making it especially vivid for describing severe physical damage.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mauled come from?
The word comes from the verb “maul,” which developed in Middle English and is related to a tool of the same name, a heavy hammer used for breaking or crushing objects. Its deeper origin is uncertain, although it has been associated with Old French and Germanic roots. The past form “mauled” has long been used for severe physical damage, particularly in descriptions of violent animal attacks.
Related word forms
How mauled is actually used
The word is strongly violent and usually implies serious injury, though it can also describe violently rough handling. It is common in British and American English.
Easily confused with mauled
A maul is a heavy hammer-like tool, while a mold is a form into which material is poured or shaped.