zonk

[ zongk, zawngk ]

verb (used without object)

1. to become unconscious from alcohol or narcotic drugs; pass out.
2. to fall soundly asleep or relax completely:

   I've got to go home and zonk out.

verb (used with object)

1. to stupefy, as by alcohol or narcotic drugs.
2. to sedate or anesthetize:

   If the pain gets too bad the doctors will zonk you.

3. to strike or defeat soundly; knock out; clobber.

Word History and Origins

Origin of zonk¹

First recorded in 1945–50; of expressive origin; -onk perhaps copies conk ²

Example Sentences

While recovering from appendicitis, Inaba has experienced some fluctuation in energy level — staying awake and “feeling good” for a few hours only to be “zonked out” shortly thereafter.

From Los Angeles Times

Just as, in "Sleeping Beauty," Aurora zonks out, only to be awoken by her knight-in-shining-armor, near the end of "Enchanted," Giselle falls victim to an evil witch's spell that conveniently puts her to sleep.

From Salon

By the time the guest of honor stood to make his acceptance speech, he’d be completely zonked.

From Literature

We woke the next morning in Nairobi to blue skies and fresh energy, less zonked by the jet lag and feeling like our happy, regular selves.

From Literature

When her friends decide to get zonked on pills, the great teen singer of 2019 retreats to the cabaret in the back of her brain to show the world precisely what she’s made of.

From Washington Post