pile driver

noun

1. a machine for driving piles, usually composed of a tall framework in which either a weight is raised and dropped on a pile head or in which a steam hammer drives the pile.
2. a person who operates such a machine.
3. a person who hits or attacks forcefully or powerfully.
4. Wrestling. a move whereby an opponent is turned upside down and slammed headfirst to the mat.
5. British Sports. a powerful stroke, hit, kick, etc.

pile-driver

noun

1. a machine that drives piles into the ground either by repeatedly allowing a heavy weight to fall on the head of the pile or by using a steam hammer
2. informal.
   a forceful punch or kick

Word History and Origins

Origin of pile driver¹

First recorded in 1765–75

Example Sentences

He took the left one and, with a pile driver of a mule kick, almost ripped it off its hinges.

From The Daily Beast

And there that human hippopotamus stood jumping up and down while he mashed me into the mud like a mole under a pile-driver.

From Project Gutenberg

The esteemed fellow-citizen was busy down at the waterside, with a big pile-driver repairing the landing-stage.

From Project Gutenberg

If you are building a pretentious structure the piles may be driven with the ordinary pile-driver.

From Project Gutenberg

If holes are bored in the weight of this toy pile-driver, it is made more effective.

From Project Gutenberg

The pile driver could be used within 16 minutes after its arrival at any point.

From Project Gutenberg