[knock] vb [ME knoken, fr. OE cnocian; akin to MHG knochen to press] vi (bef. 12c) 1: to strike something with a sharp blow
2: to collide with something 3 a: bustle "heard them ~ing around in the kitchen" b: wander "~ed about Europe all summer"
4. a: to make a pounding noise b: to have engine knock
5: to find fault ~ vt 1 a (1): to strike sharply (2): to drive, force, or make by or as if by so striking b: to set forcibly in motion with a blow
2: to cause to collide
3: to find fault with "always ~ing those in authority" -- knock cold : knock out 2a(1) -- knock dead : to move strongly esp. 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 together : to make or assemble esp. hurriedly or in a makeshift way "knocked together my own bookcase"
[2]knock n (14c) 1 a: a sharp blow: rap, hit "a loud ~ on the door" b (1): a severe misfortune or hardship (2): setback, reversal
2. a: a pounding noise b: a sharp repetitive metallic noise caused by abnormal ignition in an automobile engine
3: a harsh and often petty criticism "likes praise but can't stand the ~s"