knockout

[ nok-out ]

noun

1. an act or instance of knocking out.
2. the state or fact of being knocked out.
3. a knockout blow.
4. Informal. a person or thing overwhelmingly attractive, appealing, or successful.
5. a panel in a casing, can, or box, especially of metal or plastic, so designed that it can readily be removed, as by punching, hammering, or cutting, to provide an opening into the interior:

   a knockout in a junction box.

6. Machinery. a device for knocking something loose, as finished work from a lathe chuck.

adjective

1. that knocks out:

   the knockout punch.

knockout

/ ˈnɒkˌaʊt /

noun

1. the act of rendering unconscious
2. a blow that renders an opponent unconscious
3. 1. a competition in which competitors are eliminated progressively
   2. ( as modifier )

      a knockout contest

4. a series of absurd invented games, esp obstacle races, involving physical effort or skill
5. informal.
   a person or thing that is overwhelmingly impressive or attractive

   she's a knockout

verb

1. to render unconscious, esp by a blow
2. boxing to defeat (an opponent) by a knockout
3. to destroy, damage, or injure badly
4. to eliminate, esp in a knockout competition
5. informal.
   to overwhelm or amaze, esp with admiration or favourable reaction

   I was knocked out by that new song

6. to remove the ashes from (one's pipe) by tapping

Word History and Origins

Origin of knockout¹

1810–20; 1935–40 knockout fordef 4; noun, adj. use of verb phrase knock out

Example Sentences

Like last year, the Lakers will have to survive group play to advance to the knockout round stage.

From Los Angeles Times

He had a run of 37 consecutive wins, including 33 by knockout.

From Los Angeles Times

The starting front row of Tendai Mtawarira, Bongi Mbonambi and Malherbe were replaced - aside from unplanned injuries - early in each second half by Malcolm Marx, Steven Kitshoff and Vincent Koch in their knockout victories over Japan, Wales and England.

From BBC

It is the first time since 2010 that three-time world champion Van Gerwen has not made it to the knockout stage of the tournament.

From BBC

However, this throws up the possibility of uncertainty over where knockout matches would be played if India progress to the semi-finals.

From BBC

Related Words

• technical knockout