mauling
Pronunciation: [ˈmɔːlɪŋ]
Word
Context: "animal behavior"
(noun) a serious attack or injury caused by an animal, especially when it hurts someone badly. When an animal bites or scratches a person very hard, it is called mauling.
Example
The zoo reported that there was a mauling incident, but the injuries were not life-threatening.
Example
There was no mauling reported last year at the animal shelter, thanks to the new safety measures.
Example
Has anyone ever been a victim of a mauling by a wild animal?
Context: "physical action"
(verb) to attack someone or something in a violent way that causes severe injury. This can happen with animals, and sometimes people can be very aggressive with each other too.
Example
The dog began mauling the toy, tearing it apart happily.
Example
She was careful not to maul the delicate flower while picking it.
Example
What would you do if you saw a bear mauling its prey?
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