Main Entry: ²punch

Function: verb

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

Date: 14th century

transitive verb 1 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 swing
3 : to emboss, cut, perforate, or make with or as if with a punch
4 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 keys
5 : to give emphasis tointransitive verb 1 : to perform the action of punching something
2 : to move or push forward especially by a sudden forceful effort <punched into enemy territory>

— punch·er noun