maulings
Brutal animal attacks
Maulings are violent attacks involving clawing, biting, or tearing—typically by animals.
The word evokes savage, prolonged assaults rather than quick strikes: The bear maulings in that park have prompted closures.
Figuratively, maulings describe brutal defeats or harsh criticisms: The team took a mauling in the press after their loss.
Violent offensive act
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
- onslaughtFierce, overwhelming assault
- pounceSudden attack leap
- chargeCost or accusation
lunge · strike · savaging · goring · trampling · attacked · set upon · pounced
Irregular torn wounds
- puncturesPierces to make holes
- gashesDeep, jagged incisions
- woundsBodily tissue damage
- traumaLasting psychological wound
hemorrhage · scars · claw marks · tissue damage · disfigurement · amputation · bleeding · fractures
Extreme cruelty or spite
- savageryExtreme, violent cruelty
- brutalitySavage, merciless behavior
- frenzyViolent mental agitation
- bloodlustDesire to kill
rage · aggression · wildness · relentless · merciless · vicious · savage · frenzied
Large furry omnivore
- dogDomesticated barking mammal
- pit bullMuscular short-haired terrier type
- lionManed African feline
- tigerLarge striped Asian feline
cougar · wolf · chimpanzee · crocodile · shark · leopard · jaguar · hyena
Death from accident
- deathCessation of life
- survivorOne still alive after
- recoveryRegaining what was lost
- traumaLasting psychological wound
PTSD · disfigurement · lawsuit · euthanasia · quarantine · investigation · warning signs · negligence
assault
Violent offensive act
charge · lunge · strike · savaging · goring · trampling · attacked · set upon · pounced · lunged
lacerations
Irregular torn wounds
trauma · hemorrhage · scars · claw marks · tissue damage · disfigurement · amputation · bleeding · fractures · contusions
viciousness
Extreme cruelty or spite
bloodlust · rage · aggression · wildness · relentless · merciless · vicious · savage · frenzied · unprovoked
bear
Large furry omnivore
tiger · cougar · wolf · chimpanzee · crocodile · shark · leopard · jaguar · hyena · wild boar
fatality
Death from accident
trauma · PTSD · disfigurement · lawsuit · euthanasia · quarantine · investigation · warning signs · negligence · liability
- thrashingsdrubbings, whippings, floggings, lickings, wallopings
maulingshealings
Restorations to wellness
rescues · ministrations · protections · treatments · first aid