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

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

Other Word Forms

• bludgeoner noun
• bludgeoneer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bludgeon¹

First recorded in 1720–30; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of bludgeon¹

C18: of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

“I cannot take any more spoken or silently whispered backstabbing and bludgeoning of my character and identity,” she wrote in the message late last month.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The 46th president practically had to be bludgeoned into standing aside after the Democratic freakout over his wretched, career-ending debate performance.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The SEIU-UHW has often leveraged initiatives to bludgeon healthcare providers into surrendering to its bargaining demands or backing legislation.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In one case, a man "bludgeoned" his wife and left her in their home for three days until she was found, still alive, by their neighbour only to die on the way to hospital.

Read more on BBC

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

Read more on Barron's