knock over

verb

knocked over; knocking over; knocks over

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

Synonyms of knock over

• rob
• steal (from)

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

During a recent demonstration, the robot, guided by engineers, gingerly lifted and placed cups at a minibar, at one point knocking over a dish. —ABC News, 11 May 2026

When Madrid defender Rudiger knocked over Torres on the edge of the penalty area, the free-kick position to the right of centre was not in the ideal spot for a right-footer. —Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 10 May 2026

There are moments when Lily feels lost and anxious, and another scene where a panicked sheep knocks over furniture, although that is played for laughs. —Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 8 May 2026

Eufy Security Camera Deal The E30 provides a 4K ultra-clear window into your sanctuary, using on-device AI to distinguish between a burglar and a pet knocking over a plant. —Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 7 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1814, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Rhymes for knock over

• carryover
• changeover
• crossover
• cutover
• flashover
• hangover
• holdover
• layover
• leftover
• makeover
• moreover
• passover