I. ˈnäk 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 dead
- knock for a loop
- knock one's socks off
- knock on wood
- knock together
II. noun
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : a sharp blow : rap , hit
a loud knock 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
the knock on him was that he couldn't handle the pressure