# keelhaul

> English word · Verb · IPA /ˈkiːlhɔːl/

## Definitions
1. To punish by dragging under the keel of a ship with the intent of causing painful injuries.
2. To rebuke harshly.

## Etymology
From Dutch kielhalen (“keelhaul”), from kiel (“keel”) + halen (“fetch; catch”).

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-09-03.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/keelhaul