Identify the word closest in meaning to the word: MAUL

Option 1: Lacerate -> means to tear or deeply cut flesh, which captures the injuring aspect of mauling.

Option 2: Shield -> means to protect from harm, which is the opposite of maul.

Option 3: Pummel -> means to strike repeatedly or beat, which reflects the violent attacking aspect of mauling.

Option 4: Trample -> means to crush by stepping on, which is more specific to foot-based harm rather than general violent attack.

Hence, Option 1 (Lacerate) and Option 3 (Pummel) -> MAUL means to attack and wound by tearing or beating roughly. Both "lacerate" (tearing/cutting) and "pummel" (repeated striking/beating) capture the violent, injurious nature of mauling from different angles - one emphasizing the tearing damage and the other the beating action -> correct