English Word · Intermediate
keelhaul
To punish by dragging under the keel of a ship with the intent of causing painful injuries
Pronunciation: /ˈkiːlhɔːl/
Meaning
To punish by dragging under the keel of a ship with the intent of causing painful injuries.
Example
The Captain. They're going to keelhaul him. They have him tied to the yardarm. The crew have mutinied.
The Captain. They're going to keelhaul him. They have him tied to the yardarm. The crew have mutinied.
Practice tips
- Practice keelhaul out loud — read the pronunciation guide above and repeat.
- Use it in your own sentence today; reuse beats rereading.
- Pay attention to context: this English word is for intermediate-level learners.