blow

⁵blow

noun

Definition of BLOW

1

: a forcible stroke delivered with a part of the body or with an instrument

2

: a hostile act or state : combat <come to blows>

3

: a forcible or sudden act or effort : assault

4

: an unfortunate or calamitous happening <failure to land the job came as a blow>

Origin of BLOW

Middle English (northern dialect) blaw; probably akin to Old High German bliuwan to beat

First Known Use: 15th century