DictionaryhaleBringing by force
verb

hale

To drag or bring someone by force.

The officers hale the suspect into court against his will.

Etymology

The older verb means to haul or pull. Hale preserves a forceful bringing or dragging, especially bringing someone before an authority.

More examples

  • She is haled before a judge to answer the charges.
  • The guards hale the struggling prisoner out of the room.
  • He resists as the soldiers hale him toward the gate.

Forms

hale · hales · haled · haling

Similar words

drag
Drag emphasizes pulling someone physically along a surface.
haul
Haul suggests moving someone roughly or with considerable effort.