uppercut

[ uhp-er-kuht ]

noun

1. a swinging blow directed upward, as to an adversary's chin.
2. Bridge. a play of a higher trump than necessary knowing it can be overtrumped by an opponent but that if overtrumped, one or more trump winners in the hand of one's partner will be established.

verb (used with object)

, up·per·cut, up·per·cut·ting.

1. to strike (an opponent) with an uppercut.

verb (used without object)

, up·per·cut, up·per·cut·ting.

1. to deliver an uppercut.
2. Bridge. to make an uppercut.

uppercut

/ ˈʌpəˌkʌt /

noun

1. a short swinging upward blow with the fist delivered at an opponent's chin

verb

1. to hit (an opponent) with an uppercut

Word History and Origins

Origin of uppercut¹

First recorded in 1840–50; upper ¹ + cut

Example Sentences

He outmuscled Rios, with the challenger covering up as left and right hooks landed on the temple and snappy uppercuts snuck through the high guard.

From BBC

“I saw more intent to hit the ball flat, to get base hits versus just the uppercut to elevate the baseball.”

From Los Angeles Times

The message finally got through when Dixon came out with real intent in the sixth, throwing caution to the wind and hurting Harper with an uppercut and a thudding right.

From BBC

With seemingly unconscious precision, Vedder landed surprise uppercuts, his voice surging on unexpected syllables, before rumbling through a rough-and-tumble bridge toward the end.

From Seattle Times

Fury, having showboated in the first half of the contest, was in full rhythm and stunned his fellow champion with an uppercut in the sixth round, but Usyk did not panic.

From BBC

Related Words

• bump
• concussion
• impact
• jab
• jolt
• kick
• punch
• shock
• slap
• stroke