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View synonyms for bludgeon

bludgeon

[bluhj-uhn]

noun

  1. a short, heavy club with one end weighted, or thicker and heavier than the other.



verb (used with object)

  1. to strike or knock down with a bludgeon.

  2. to force into something; coerce; bully.

    The boss finally bludgeoned him into accepting responsibility.

bludgeon

/ ˈblʌdʒən /

noun

  1. a stout heavy club, typically thicker at one end

  2. a person, line of argument, etc, that is effective but unsubtle

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

  1. to hit or knock down with or as with a bludgeon

  2. (often foll by into) to force; bully; coerce

    they bludgeoned him into accepting the job

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • bludgeoner noun
  • bludgeoneer noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of bludgeon1

First recorded in 1720–30; origin uncertain
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Word History and Origins

Origin of bludgeon1

C18: of uncertain origin
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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Nixon used impoundments as a political bludgeon, withholding billions in federal funding for programs he personally opposed.

Read more on Barron's

The victims were “faceless” after being shot and bludgeoned beyond recognition, according to Los Angeles County prosecutor Stephen Lonseth.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Surrounded by trainers and doctors and his childhood hero, he acquiesces to pretty much everything, from receiving random injections to a brutal bludgeoning.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He’s bludgeoned the program to the brink of death.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

I didn’t see a knockout punch, but I saw some strong contenders — and in a couple cases, I just got bludgeoned.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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