maul

/mɔ:l/

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Sure! Let’s break down the word "maul" in a way that is easy to understand.

Definition:

1. As a noun: A maul is a heavy tool that looks like a large hammer. It has a long handle and is used to hit things hard, like driving stakes into the ground or splitting wood.

2. As a verb: To maul means to injure someone or something badly by hitting, scratching, or biting. It can also mean to split wood using a maul and wedges.

Usage Instructions:

• Noun: You can use "maul" when talking about tools, especially in construction or outdoor work.
• Verb: Use "maul" when describing an action where someone or something is hurt badly.

Examples:

• Noun: "He used a maul to drive the wooden stake into the ground."
• Verb: "The bear mauled the camper when he got too close."

Advanced Usage:

• In a figurative sense, "maul" can describe a situation where someone is severely criticized or attacked verbally. For example: "The politician was mauled by the media for his controversial statements."

Word Variants:

• Mauled (past tense of the verb): "The dog mauled the intruder."
• Mauling (gerund or present participle): "The mauling of the tree took a lot of effort."

Different Meanings:

• In addition to the physical meanings, "maul" can also imply a strong criticism or harsh treatment in discussions or debates.

Synonyms:

• For the noun: hammer, mallet
• For the verb: attack, injure, beat, savagely harm

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that use "maul," but you might come across phrases that use "maul" in a context of criticism or severe treatment.

Summary:

"Maul" can refer to a heavy hammer used in physical work or describe an action of causing severe injury. It's important to understand the context in which it is used, whether literally (with tools or animals) or figuratively (with criticism).

Academic

Noun

1. a heavy long-handled hammer used to drive stakes or wedges

Verb

1. injure badly by beating
2. split (wood) with a maul and wedges

Synonyms

• sledge
• sledgehammer
• mangle