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bludgeon

Bludgeon (verb) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

verb

IPA:

/ˈblʌʤən/

What does bludgeon mean?

To strike someone or something repeatedly and violently with a blunt object, typically with the intention to injure or kill.
"The attacker used a bat to bludgeon his victim, leaving them severely injured."

Detailed Meaning of Bludgeon

It can also refer to the act of persuading someone to do something by using forceful or aggressive tactics, such as constant pressure or intimidation. When used in the context of physical violence, 'bludgeon' implies a brutal and unrelenting attack that is carried out with a heavy and unwieldy object, such as a club or hammer. In this sense, 'bludgeon' suggests a level of violence that is not only physical but also psychological, as the intention is to instill fear and exert control over the victim. When used in a figurative sense, 'bludgeon' suggests an aggressive or forceful approach to persuasion or argumentation, often characterized by a lack of nuance or sensitivity.

Example Sentences for Bludgeon

1. Police are investigating a case where an intruder attempted to bludgeon the home owner with a heavy object.
2. Despite the harsh criticism, she managed to bludgeon her way through the demanding tasks.
3. If you bludgeon the dough too much, it will lose its fluffiness.
4. The prosecutor argued that the defendant intended to bludgeon the victim to death.
5. Trying to bludgeon others with your point of view rarely works; it's better to persuade them with logic.
6. He felt like the world was trying to bludgeon his dreams, but he persevered.

Origin and Etymology of Bludgeon

The verb 'bludgeon' has a rather brutal etymology rooted in its historical use as a weapon. It originates from the Middle French word 'blougeon,' which referred to a short club or cudgel used for striking in a blunt and forceful manner. The Middle French term itself may have been influenced by the Old French word 'blochon,' which had similar connotations. These French words can be traced back to the Late Latin term 'plumbicō,' which denoted a leaden-headed war club. Thus, the etymology of 'bludgeon' takes us back to the idea of using a heavy, blunt object as a weapon, and over time, it evolved into the verb we use today, signifying the act of striking someone or something repeatedly and violently with the intention to injure or kill.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the verb bludgeon:

batter

comfort

soothe

caress

Try Again!

Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Bludgeon

1. Self-doubt can bludgeon your confidence if you let it.
2. In medieval times, soldiers would often bludgeon their enemies using clubs or maces.
3. The athlete had to bludgeon through the pain to reach the finish line.
4. The group had to bludgeon the thick forest undergrowth to make their way forward.
5. The intense storm seemed to bludgeon the coastline relentlessly.
6. Many activists believe that certain policies bludgeon the rights of marginalized communities.
7. The manager tried to bludgeon his way through the meeting despite the obvious lack of interest from his team.
8. The robber threatened to bludgeon the cashier if he didn’t hand over the money.
9. Sometimes you have to bludgeon your fears to achieve success.
10. The novelist had to bludgeon through writer's block to finish the book on time.
11. It's important not to bludgeon your body with excessive exercise; moderation is key.
12. The artist felt like he had to bludgeon through a sea of critics before finding recognition.
13. The boxer had to bludgeon his opponent's defenses to land a clean hit.
14. In the video game, you can choose a variety of weapons to bludgeon your enemies.