Main Entry:

²punch

Function:

verb

Etymology:

Middle English pouncen, punchen to emboss, pierce, probably from pounce, noun

Date:

14th century

transitive verb1 a: prod, poke b: drive, herd <punching cattle>2 a: to strike with a forward thrust especially of the fist b: to drive or push forcibly by or as if by a punch c: to hit (a ball) with less than a full swing3: to emboss, cut, perforate, or make with or as if with a punch4 a: to push down so as to produce a desired result <punch buttons on a jukebox> b: to hit or press down the operating mechanism of <punch a typewriter> c: to insert a time card into (a time clock) d: to produce by or as if by punching keys <punch out a tune on the piano> e: to enter (as data) by punching keys5: to give emphasis tointransitive verb1: to perform the action of punching something2: to move or push forward especially by a sudden forceful effort <punched into enemy territory>

— punch·er noun