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.
While trying to avoid a check in front of the home bench, Barton was knocked over the boards and appeared to hit his head. Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 25 Jan. 2026 Protesters knocked over a dumpster to try and block the street off from the line of officers moving eastward. Kyla Guilfoil, NBC news, 24 Jan. 2026 One woman was knocked over by the vehicle. Laura Tillman, Hartford Courant, 9 Jan. 2026 And in one play-killing blow, running back RJ Harvey’s attempt to throw a chip-block knocked over the 320-pound Meinerz. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 7 Jan. 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 Jan. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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