verb

keelhaul

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Keelhaul (verb) means to punish someone by dragging them beneath a ship's hull, causing severe injury.

verb

To punish someone by dragging them beneath a ship's hull, causing severe injury.

"The Captain. They're going to keelhaul him. They have him tied to the yardarm. The crew have mutinied." — Téa Cooper, Forgotten Fragrance (2015)

To scold or criticise someone very severely.

"Time keelhauls me and what happens meanwhile is: nothing. No more voice, no more orders." — Giorgio Faletti, translated by Antony Shugaar (2013)

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Etymology

Comes from Dutch kielhalen ("keelhaul"), formed from kiel ("keel") and halen ("fetch; catch").

Rhymes for keelhaul

maul Gaul Paul Saul haul Raul Kaul overhaul

See all rhymes for keelhaul →

Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of keelhaul?

"keelhaul" (verb) means to punish someone by dragging them beneath a ship's hull, causing severe injury.

What are the different meanings of keelhaul?

"keelhaul" has 2 main meanings: 1. To punish someone by dragging them beneath a ship's hull, causing severe injury; 2. To scold or criticise someone very severely.