Bludgeoning
/ˈblʌdʒənɪŋ/noun
The act of striking someone or something repeatedly with a heavy object, or defeating them through overwhelming force.
Did you know?Unlike words such as “nightmare” or “disaster,” bludgeon has no securely documented occult or supernatural origin; its earliest history is simply obscure.
Etymological Timeline
Late 16th Century
English
bludge
“A thick stick or club; an early form related to bludgeon, though its ultimate origin is unknown.”
1730s
English
bludgeon
“A short stick or club with one end heavier than the other.”
18th Century
English
bludgeon
“A weapon or heavy club used for striking.”
1850s
English
bludgeon
“To strike or attack with a bludgeon.”
Modern English
English
bludgeoning
“The present participle or gerund of bludgeon: repeatedly striking, or overpowering through force.”