knock over

verb

knocked over; knocking over; knocks over
Synonyms of knock overnext

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.
One of the vehicles that was hit was pushed onto the median and knocked over a traffic signal. Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026 If the robot had knocked over these containers, the consequences could have been far more severe than broken plates. Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 20 Mar. 2026 The robot was captured on video at the Haidilao location approaching a table before pounding on it, then knocking over utensils and food in front of customers. Isabel Yip, NBC news, 19 Mar. 2026 Tempe police said the incident was reported the morning of March 17 and that by late in the evening the investigation into who knocked over the $20,000 fixture was ongoing. Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 18 Mar. 2026 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 29 Mar. 2026.

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