punch

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

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