First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1knock
verb \ˈnäk\
: to hit something (such as a door) with the knuckles of your hand or with a hard object (such as a knocker) in order to get people's attention
: to hit (something or someone) in a forceful way
: to touch or hit someone or something in a way that is not planned or intended
Full Definition of KNOCK
intransitive verb
1
: to strike something with a sharp blow
2
: to collide with something
3
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 knocked out of the campaign> b : to set forcibly in motion with a blow
2
: to cause to collide
3
: to find fault with <always knocking 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
— 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>
See knock defined for English-language learners
See knock defined for kids
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Origin of KNOCK
Middle English knoken, from Old English cnocian; akin to Middle High German knochen to press
2knock
noun
: a hard, sharp hit
: the sound made by a hard hit
: an experience that makes you less confident or successful for a period of time : a difficult or painful experience
Full Definition of KNOCK
1
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>
See knock defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of KNOCK
14th century
Related to KNOCK
- Synonyms
- bang, bash, bat, beat, belt, biff, bop, box, buffet, bust, chop, clap, clip, clout, crack, cuff, dab, douse [British], fillip, hack, haymaker, hit, hook, 1blow, larrup [dialect], lash, lick, pelt, pick, plump, poke, pound, punch, rap, slam, slap, slug, smack, smash, sock, spank, stinger, stripe, stroke, swat, swipe, switch, thud, thump, thwack, wallop, welt, whack, wham, whop (also whap)
- Antonyms
- fortune, luck, serendipity
KNOCK Defined for Kids
1knock
verb \ˈnäk\
knockedknock·ing
Definition of KNOCK for Kids
1
: to strike in order to get someone's attention <I knocked before entering.>
2
: to bump against something without intending to <Careful! You knocked the lamp.>
3
: to make a pounding noise <The car's engine began knocking.>
4
: to find fault with <Don't knock it till you try it.>
5
: to hit forcefully <He knocked the ball out of the park.>
— knock down
1
: to strike to the ground with or as if with a sharp blow
2
: to take apart <Knock down the tent before you leave camp.>
— knock off
: to stop doing something <Hey, I don't like that, so knock it off!>
— knock over
: to cause to fall
2knock
noun
Definition of KNOCK for Kids
1
: a pounding noise <I heard a knock at the door.>
2
: a sharp blow <a knock on the head>
3
: a difficult or painful experience <You learn from life's knocks.>
Medical Dictionary
knock
noun \ˈnäk\
Medical Definition of KNOCK
1
: a sharp blow <a knock to the head>
2
: a sharp pounding noise
Learn More About KNOCK
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