knock over

verb

knocked over; knocking over; knocks over
Synonyms of knock overnext

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.
In addition to the characters, the set features two love notes and a flowerpot, which Derpy Tiger notoriously knocks over. Greta Cross, USA Today, 16 June 2026 Use containers with tight-fitting lids to prevent spills in case they are knocked over. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 16 June 2026 In the open spaces, people kicked balls around (including my toddler, who blasted a shot past me and knocked over the beer of a Colombia fan who was very, very nice about the whole thing) or found shade under the only tree. Ben Church, CNN Money, 14 June 2026 Beteille said his group was waved through a metal detector before another security employee pushed them forward, knocking over part of it. Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 June 2026 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 20 Jun. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster