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View synonyms for tae kwon do

tae kwon do

or tae·kwon·do

[ tahy kwon doh ]

noun

  1. a Korean martial art, a particularly aggressive form of karate, that utilizes punches, jabs, chops, blocking and choking moves, and especially powerful, leaping kicks.


tae kwon do

/ ˈteɪ; ˈtaɪ ˈkwɒn ˈdəʊ /

noun

  1. a Korean martial art that resembles karate
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of tae kwon do1

1965–70; < Korean t’aekwŏndo, equivalent to t’ae- trample (< Middle Chinese, akin to Chinese tái ) + kwŏn fist (< Middle Chinese, akin to Chinese quán ) + -do, combining form of to way (< Middle Chinese, akin to Chinese dào )
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Word History and Origins

Origin of tae kwon do1

C20: Korean tae kick + kwon fist + do way, method
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Example Sentences

Kyu was not only skilled in the art of tae kwon do but also could play everything from classical music to Coldplay on the piano, his friends said.

In exchange for a room and tae kwon do training, Ray would clean the Moon family house and make their meals.

Janette Lee, a second-degree black belt in tae kwon do who served as senior activities coordinator for the Little Tokyo Service Center, organized five self-defense classes this year.

“I fought really hard for the action piece,” says Brewster, who took up tae kwon do and started sending Lin training videos to pitch herself in action.

His mom’s solution was to keep him busy with physical activities such as tae kwon do and basketball.

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Related Words

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More About Tae Kwon Do

What is tae kwon do?

Tae kwon do is a martial art and an unarmed combat and self-defense system that uses a variety of powerful, aggressive strikes and is especially known for jump kicks. It’s also commonly spelled as taekwondo.

Tae kwon do originated in Korea as a particularly aggressive form of karate.

Tae kwon do is also a sport and an event in the Summer Olympic Games. In the Olympics, competitors wear padding and compete in three-round matches in which points are awarded for landing strikes to the torso or head. This variety of tae kwon do is known as Olympic tae kwon do or World tae kwon do.

Other varieties of tae kwon do are practiced around the world.

A person who practices or competes in tae kwon do can be called a taekwondoin.

Example: I started learning tae kwon do for self-defense, but it’s also a great way to stay fit.

Where does tae kwon do come from?

The first records of the term tae kwon do in English come from the mid-1900s. It roughly translates to “punching and kicking method,” from the Korean t’ae-, meaning “trample” or “kick,” kwŏn, meaning “fist,” and -do meaning “way” or “method.” The ending do derives from Middle Chinese and is used in the same way in the name of the Japanese martial art judo.

Tae kwon do was developed in Korea and is thought to be based on karate and another Korean martial art called Taekkyeon, which employs fluid, dance-like movements. South Korean military officer Choi Hong Hi is credited with developing tae kwon do in its modern form.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to tae kwon do?

  • taekwondo (alternate spelling without spaces)
  • taekwondoin (noun)

What are some words that share a root or word element with tae kwon do

What are some words that often get used in discussing tae kwon do?

How is tae kwon do used in real life?

Tae kwon do is also commonly spelled as taekwondo. It is practiced as a martial art and as a sport.

Try using tae kwon do!

What does kwon mean in tae kwon do?

A. foot
B. fist
C. kick
D. way

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Taejontael