to knock out
Pronunciation
/nˈɑːk ˈaʊt/
British pronunciation
/nˈɒk ˈaʊt/

Definition & Meaning of "knock out"in English

to knock out
[phrase form: knock]
01

to make someone or something unconscious

Transitive: to knock out sb/sth
to knock out definition and meaning
example
Examples
The anesthesia will knock you out before the surgery.
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
Examples
The boxer delivered a powerful punch that knocked his opponent out in the third round.
He trained hard to improve his punching skills and increase his chances of knocking out his opponent.
02

to defeat someone or a group decisively in a competition

Transitive: to knock out a competitor
example
Examples
The underdog team managed to knock out the reigning champions in the tournament.
She knocked out the competition with her innovative design.
03

to forcefully destroy or break something

Transitive: to knock out sth
example
Examples
The strong winds knocked out power lines all over the neighborhood.
The car accident was so severe that it knocked out the entire front end of the vehicle.
04

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

Transitive: to knock out tobacco or ash
example
Examples
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.
05

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

Transitive: to knock out sb
example
Examples
The breathtaking view from the mountaintop knocked me out.
Her stunning performance on stage really knocked the audience out.
06

to finish a task, often quickly and efficiently

Transitive: to knock out a task
example
Examples
We need to knock out this report by the end of the day.
He managed to knock out all the paperwork in record time.
07

to convey a message by making specific knocking sounds or patterns

Transitive: to knock out a message
example
Examples
They would knock out a pattern to let their friends know they were outside.
In the spy movie, the agent knocked out a secret message on the door.
08

to cause someone to fall asleep

Transitive: to knock out sb
example
Examples
The sleeping pills will knock me out in no time.
After a long day at work, a warm cup of herbal tea can help knock you out and promote relaxation.
09

to remove something, often swiftly and completely

Transitive: to knock out sth
example
Examples
The new pest control method effectively knocked out the infestation of insects in the house.
He knocked the virus out with a powerful antivirus program.
to knock oneself out
to knock oneself out
01

to exert a great deal of effort or energy

example
Examples
I knocked myself out to get the job done on time.
She decided to knock herself out and finish the project before the deadline.
knock yourself out
knock yourself out
01

used to say that someone can do as they please

Dialectamerican flagAmerican
knock yourself out definition and meaning
IdiomIdiom
InformalInformal

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
Examples
You want to have some more cake? Knock yourself out; there's plenty left.
If you enjoy dancing, the dance floor is open, so go ahead and knock yourself out.
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