Maul/mɔːl/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Violent Connotation This usage often describes intense physical attacks with the potential to be deadly. Survivors recounted how they were mauled during the riot. Pro Tip 2/3Animals Attacking Commonly used for animal attacks on humans, implying severe injuries. A woman was mauled by an escaped lion at the zoo. Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Impact The term evokes a sense of danger and urgency when recounting events. The news report showed a man who'd been mauled protecting his child.