pummel
UK[ˈpʌm(ə)l]US[ˈpʌm(ə)l]
v
to hit someone or something repeatedly, especially with your fists.
v
to criticize or attack someone severely and repeatedly.
Etymology
the word 'pummel' is an interesting case of linguistic evolution through sound symbolism and reduplication. it originated in the late 16th century as an alteration of the earlier word 'pommel', which referred to the rounded knob on a sword hilt, used for striking. this earlier 'pommel' itself came from old french 'pomel', diminutive of 'pom' meaning 'apple', from latin 'pomum' (fruit, apple), due to the shape. the shift from 'pommel' to 'pummel' represents a phonetic change that made the word sound more like the repetitive, blunt action it describes—a process called onomatopoeia or sound symbolism. thus, the meaning transitioned from naming a striking object to describing the repetitive striking action itself, a semantic shift from noun to verb that solidified the word's modern sense of repeated hitting.
Analysis
this word is a simplex form derived from a reduplication and alteration of an older english word. it is not productively formed from separable modern english morphemes.
Examples
the boxer continued to pummel his opponent against the ropes.
the hailstones pummeled the roof of the car during the sudden storm.
the opposition leader was pummeled by the press over his controversial remarks.