bludgeon

UK: ˈblʌdʒən | US: ˈblʌdʒən

Definition
  1. n. a short, heavy club, typically used as a weapon

  2. vt. to strike repeatedly with a heavy object; to coerce or bully someone

Structure

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Etymology

The word bludgeon first appeared in the mid-18th century, but its origins remain obscure. It may derive from an imitative or expressive formation, mimicking the sound of a heavy impact (bludge). The suffix -eon does not carry a clear independent meaning but likely serves to solidify the noun form. Over time, bludgeon evolved from referring strictly to a physical weapon to also describing forceful or coercive actions metaphorically.

Examples
  1. The robber threatened the shopkeeper with a wooden bludgeon.

  2. He was bludgeoned to death in a brutal attack.

  3. The dictator bludgeoned the opposition into submission.

  4. The detective found a bloodstained bludgeon at the crime scene.

  5. She refused to be bludgeoned into signing the unfair contract.