DictionarypoundRepeated heavy force
verb

pound

To strike or press repeatedly with heavy force.

She pounds the chicken with a mallet to flatten it.

Etymology

Old English pūnian meant to pound or beat. The modern verb preserves that forceful repeated striking, whether with a tool, body part, or pressing motion.

More examples

  • He pounds on the door until someone answers.
  • Heavy rain pounded the roof all night.
  • Pound the spices into a fine powder.

Forms

pound · pounds · pounded · pounding

pounding noun — Repeated heavy strikes against a surface.

Similar words

beat
Covers repeated blows without necessarily emphasizing great force.
batter
Emphasizes repeated hard blows that damage or wear down.
hammer
Suggests forceful, repeated strikes with or like a hammer.