n.
Pronunciation: ' näk
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English knoken, from Old English cnocian; akin to Middle High German knochen to press
Date: before 12th century
intransitive verb
1 : to strike something with a sharp blow
2 : to collide with something
3 a : BUSTLE <heard them knock ing around in the kitchen> b : WANDER < knock ed about Europe all summer>
4 a : to make a pounding noise b : to have engine knock
5 : to find fault
transitive verb
1 a (1) : to strike sharply (2) : to drive, force, or make by or as if by so striking <was knock ed out of the campaign> b : to set forcibly in motion with a blow
2 : to cause to collide
3 : to find fault with <always knock ing those in authority>
– knock cold : KNOCK OUT 2A(1)
– knock dead : to move strongly especially to admiration or applause <a comedian who really knocks them dead >
– knock for a loop
1 a : OVERCOME < knocked my opponent for a loop > b : DEMOLISH < knocked our idea for a loop >
2 : DUMBFOUND , AMAZE <the news knocked them for a loop >
– knock one's socks off : to overwhelm or amaze one <a performance that will knock your socks off >
– knock on wood
― used interjectionally to ward off misfortune
– knock together : to make or assemble especially hurriedly or in a makeshift way < knocked together my own bookcase>