Knock

/nɒk/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A sound made by striking something, often the sound made when someone knocks on a door.

There was a loud knock at the door that startled the cat.

A collision or impact, often causing a slight injury.

He got a knock on the head from the falling branch.

verb

To strike a surface noisily to attract attention, especially when waiting to be admitted.

She knocked on the door several times before anyone answered.

To collide with something, producing a sound, often indicating damage.

He knocked his knee against the table.

To criticize or belittle someone or something.

It's not fair to knock other people's ideas without offering your own.

Middle English, of imitative origin.

knock someone out:

To render someone unconscious.

knock it off:

To stop doing something annoying or disruptive.

knock on wood:

Said to prevent bad luck.

knock at the door:

An invitation or request to enter.

To criticize someone harshly.

He got knocked hard for his performance.

To fail or lose badly.

The team got knocked in the first round.