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.
Finally, Viktor Arvidsson was too aggressive around the crease and knocked over Bobrovsky. Michael Russo, New York Times, 10 June 2025 The severe weather toppled a tractor-trailer on Interstate 435, knocked over portable toilets and barriers around the stadiums, and downed multiple trees across the area. Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025 Without warning, the robot loses control, thrashing its limbs, knocking over equipment and forcing the technicians to scramble out of harm's way. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 June 2025 In the video, witnesses say the driver knocked over at least six people. Henry Austin, NBC news, 26 May 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 28 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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