knock over

verb

knocked over; knocking over; knocks over

transitive verb

1
a(1)
: to strike to the ground : fell
(2)
: overwhelm
was knocked over by the news
b
: eliminate
knocked over every difficulty
2
a
: steal
especially : hijack
knocks over a truckload of merchandise J. B. Martin
b
: rob
knocking over a bank

Examples of knock over in a Sentence

he knocked over six convenience stores before getting caught knocked me over trying to get out the door
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Who doesn’t have childhood memories of arguing about Boardwalk and Park Place until the popcorn bowl got knocked over during an evening of wholesome family entertainment? Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 11 Sep. 2025 Animal control officers say the rattlesnake was secured in a glass enclosure, but the two cobras had been inside plastic totes, which were knocked over, spilling them onto the floor, Beckman said. Mitchell Willetts, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025 However, within 23 seconds of the footage, a podium was knocked over and McCullough was standing within feet of Judge William Roby. Mark Price, Miami Herald, 10 Sep. 2025 Even Sinner’s groundstroke attacks rarely knocked over the skittles in Alcaraz’s playground. Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for knock over

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1814, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Time Traveler
The first known use of knock over was circa 1814

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Knock over.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/knock%20over. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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