knife

[ nahyf ]

noun

, plural knives [nahyvz].

1. an instrument for cutting, consisting essentially of a thin, sharp-edged, metal blade fitted with a handle.
2. a knifelike weapon; dagger or short sword.
3. any blade for cutting, as in a tool or machine.

verb (used with object)

, knifed, knif·ing.

1. to apply a knife to; cut, stab, etc., with a knife.
2. to attempt to defeat or undermine in a secret or underhanded way.

verb (used without object)

, knifed, knif·ing.

1. to move or cleave through something with or as if with a knife:

   The ship knifed through the heavy seas.

knife

/ naɪf /

noun

1. a cutting instrument consisting of a sharp-edged often pointed blade of metal fitted into a handle or onto a machine
2. a similar instrument used as a weapon
3. have one's knife in someone
   to have a grudge against or victimize someone
4. twist the knife
   to make a bad situation worse in a deliberately malicious way
5. the knives are out for someone
   people are determined to harm or put a stop to someone

   the knives are out for Stevens

6. under the knife
   undergoing a surgical operation

verb

1. to cut, stab, or kill with a knife
2. to betray, injure, or depose in an underhand way

Derived Forms

• ˈknifeˌlike, adjective
• ˈknifer, noun

Other Words From

• knifelike adjective
• knifer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of knife¹

before 1100; Middle English knif, Old English cnīf; cognate with Dutch knijf, German Kneif, Old Norse knīfr

Word History and Origins

Origin of knife¹

Old English cnīf; related to Old Norse knīfr, Middle Low German knīf

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. under the knife, in surgery; undergoing a medical operation:

   The patient was under the knife for four hours.

More idioms and phrases containing knife

see at gunpoint (knifepoint) ; under the knife ; you could cut it with a knife .

Example Sentences

HuntingCrossbows sold us a "Defender Xtreme Hunting Combat knife" with a 10-inch blade and a serrated edge, priced at £34.99.

From BBC

It appears the knife was shipped from the USA despite no indication it was being imported.

From BBC

Four out of the five experts we spoke to agreed the weapons we purchased appeared to meet the legal definition of a banned knife.

From BBC

"They all look like offensive weapons under the Act," said Anthony Orchard KC, a criminal barrister who’s prosecuted many stabbings and knife offences.

From BBC

Commander Stephen Clayman, the NPCC's lead for knife crime, says the recent ban was a step forward - but more action is needed.

From BBC