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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But as much as the ratings monopoly has taken its share of knocks over the decades, it has never been supplanted as the anchor of the $70 billion-plus TV ad business. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 2 Sep. 2025 In a TikTok video filmed by a concertgoer, the man knocked over the microphone stand before rolling onto the stage. Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 28 Aug. 2025 Schlittler also struck out eight batters and issued two walks while holding Tampa Bay to Simpson’s knock over 95 pitches. Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 21 Aug. 2025 One fire on Sims Avenue near White Bear Avenue was caused by a space heater that was accidentally knocked over. Kathryn Kovalenko, Twin Cities, 16 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for knock over

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of knock over was circa 1814

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Knock over.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/knock%20over. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!