punch

¹punch

noun \ˈpənch\

Definition of PUNCH

1

a : a tool usually in the form of a short rod of steel that is variously shaped at one end for different operations (as forming, perforating, embossing, or cutting)

b : a short tapering steel rod for driving the heads of nails below a surface

c : a steel die faced with a letter in relief that is forced into a softer metal to form an intaglio matrix from which foundry type is cast

d : a device or machine for cutting holes or notches (as in paper or cardboard)

2

: a hole or notch from a perforating operation

Origin of PUNCH

Middle English pounce, punche, probably alteration of ponson, ponchon puncheon

First Known Use: 14th century

Other Hardware Terms

adze, auger, awl, chock, ferrule, tang

Rhymes with PUNCH

brunch, bunch, crunch, hunch, lunch, munch, scrunch

²punch

verb

Definition of PUNCH

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 to

intransitive 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

Examples of PUNCH

1. He punched me in the face.
2. She punched him on the chin.
3. He quickly punched the buttons on his telephone.
4. She punched an opening through the dough with her finger.
5. The tool punches holes in paper.

Origin of PUNCH

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

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to PUNCH

Synonyms

bang, bash, bat, belt, biff, bludgeon, bob, bonk, bop, box, bust, clap, clip, clobber, clock, clout, crack, hammer, knock, nail, paste, pound, hit, rap, slam, slap, slog, slug, smack, smite, sock, strike, swat, swipe, tag, thump, thwack, wallop, whack, whale, zap

Related Words

batter, beat, buffet, bung, chop, cuff, drub, lace, lambaste (or lambast), lick, mangle, maul, pelt, pepper, pommel, pummel, rough; scuff; bunt, flick, stroke, tap; bump, butt, jab, jostle, kick, knee, poke, prod, push, shove, stamp; bowl (down or over), cream, deck, dump [slang], fell, floor, knock down, level; rabbit-punch, sucker punch; cane, club, cudgel, flail, flog, lash, sap, slash, sledge, sledgehammer, spear, stab, switch, thrash, whip; bean, brain, conk, skull

Near Antonyms

fill, patch, plug, seal

³punch

noun

Definition of PUNCH

1

: the action of punching

2

: a quick blow with or as if with the fist

3

: effective energy or forcefulness <a story that packs a punch> <political punch>

— punch·less \ˈpənch-ləs\ adjective

— to the punch

: to the first blow or to decisive action —usually used with beat

First Known Use of PUNCH

14th century

Other Combat Sports Terms

foil, riposte, welter

⁴punch

noun

Definition of PUNCH

: a hot or cold drink that is usually a combination of hard liquor, wine, or beer and nonalcoholic beverages; also : a drink that is a mixture of nonalcoholic beverages

Origin of PUNCH

perhaps from Hindi & Urdu pā̃c five, from Sanskrit pañca; akin to Greek pente five; from its originally having five ingredients — more at five

First Known Use: 1632

Other Alcoholic Beverage Terms

finish, gimlet, mull, sake, setup, sommelier, syllabub, vintner, wassail