Knock out

/nˈɒk ˈaʊt/

/nˈɑːk ˈaʊt/

Definition & Meaning of "knock out"

to knock out

[phrase form: knock]

VERB

to make someone or something unconscious

Transitive: to knock out sb/sth

Example

The sudden impact of the car crash could knock out the driver.

1.1

to defeat an opponent in boxing by making them fall unconscious or unable to get up

Transitive: to knock out an opponent

Example

Knocking out an opponent is the ultimate goal for many boxers in the ring.

He trained hard to improve his punching skills and increase his chances of knocking out his opponent.

to defeat someone or a group decisively in a competition

Transitive: to knock out a competitor

Example

The company 's new marketing strategy aimed to knock out their competitors.

The underdog team managed to knock out the reigning champions in the tournament.

to forcefully destroy or break something

Transitive: to knock out sth

to empty, typically referring to the removal of tobacco from a container

Transitive: to knock out tobacco or ash

Example

After smoking, he would always knock out the ashes from his pipe.

She needed to knock out the old tobacco from the cigar before lighting it.

The process of knocking out the used tobacco from the hookah was a bit messy.

to amaze someone to the point where they are filled with admiration or wonder

Transitive: to knock out sb

Example

The talented young artist 's work always manages to knock out art enthusiasts.

to finish a task, often quickly and efficiently

Transitive: to knock out a task

Example

With the right tools, he can knock out home repairs in no time.

The team worked together to knock out the project ahead of schedule.

We need to knock out this report by the end of the day.

to convey a message by making specific knocking sounds or patterns

Transitive: to knock out a message

Example

During the blackout, they had to knock out a signal to confirm their presence.

To enter the club, you have to knock out a specific rhythm on the door.

The prisoners used the Morse code to knock out messages on the cell walls.

to cause someone to fall asleep

Transitive: to knock out sb

Example

The gentle lullaby and rocking motion helped knock out the fussy baby, finally bringing peaceful sleep.

to remove something, often swiftly and completely

Transitive: to knock out sth

Example

The medical breakthrough promised to knock out the harmful bacteria in the body without affecting beneficial microbes.

The city authorities implemented a program to knock out pollution by introducing stricter emissions standards.

knock oneself out

to knock oneself out

PHRASE

to exert a great deal of effort or energy

Knock yourself out

knock yourself out

SENTENCE

used to say that someone can do as they please

knock yourself out definition and meaning

Idiom

Informal

What is the origin of the idiom "knock yourself out" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "knock yourself out"is not well-documented, but it has been in common use for many years as a friendly way to grant permission or encouragement. It likely developed as a figurative way to encourage someone to enjoy an activity to the fullest without worrying about restrictions or limitations. This phrase is now commonly used to grant permission or express encouragement in a friendly and informal manner.

Example