bludgeon
1 synonym for bludgeon, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A short, heavy club used as a weapon.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Synonyms by Meaning
2. verb
To hit someone repeatedly and violently with a heavy object.
“He was bludgeoned during a robbery outside the station.”
How to use bludgeon
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
bludgeon someone to death
bludgeon into submission
Etymology
First recorded in 1730; origin uncertain, possibly from Cornish or an old French word for a club.
Full origin of bludgeon →Frequently asked questions
What does “bludgeon” mean?
The word “bludgeon” means a short, heavy club used as a weapon. In plain terms, a heavy club, or the act of beating someone with one — also used figuratively for forcing someone into agreement through pressure.
How do you pronounce “bludgeon”?
“Bludgeon” is pronounced BLUHJ-uhn (/ˈblʌd͡ʒ.ən/ in IPA).
How do you use “bludgeon” in a sentence?
Here is “bludgeon” used in a sentence: “The attacker was carrying a homemade bludgeon.”
What part of speech is “bludgeon”?
Depending on how it is used, “bludgeon” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “bludgeon” come from?
The word “bludgeon” dates back to around 1730 and comes from Old French. First recorded in 1730; origin uncertain, possibly from Cornish or an old French word for a club.
How many meanings does “bludgeon” have?
“Bludgeon” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a short, heavy club used as a weapon.
