pounding
UK: ˈpaʊndɪŋ | US: ˈpaʊndɪŋ
n. the act of striking repeatedly with force
adj. producing a heavy, rhythmic sound
v. (present participle of "pound") to beat or crush forcefully
The word "pounding" derives from the verb "pound," which traces back to Old English pūnian, meaning "to crush or beat." The root "pound" is of Germanic origin, related to Dutch puin (rubble) and German zerpfüttern (to smash). The suffix "-ing" forms present participles or gerunds, indicating ongoing action. Together, "pounding" vividly conveys repetitive, forceful impact—whether literal (hammering) or metaphorical (a pounding headache).
The pounding of the drums echoed through the stadium.
She felt her heart pounding after the sprint.
The construction crew kept pounding the pavement all morning.
A pounding rainstorm flooded the streets overnight.
His headache was so intense it felt like a hammer pounding inside his skull.