work over

verb

worked over; working over; works over

transitive verb

1

: to subject to thorough examination, study, or treatment

shelf stock worked over by shoppers

2

: to do over : rework

saved the play by working the first act over

3

: to beat up or manhandle with thoroughness

My boxing opponent worked me over in the ring.

Synonyms

• lick
• hide
• pound
• lash
• do
• hit
• punch out
• whip
• beat
• attack
• knock
• pelt
• assault
• batter
• slap
• punch
• thump
• bat
• beat up on

Examples of work over in a Sentence

the mob boss's thugs really worked him over

Recent Examples on the Web

Harvey started for the Broncos on Saturday night against San Francisco and handled most of the early and mixed-down work over the starting group’s three drives. —Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 10 Aug. 2025

On the wall beyond the shed is a vast display of vinyl, including records that have inspired and informed Nara’s work over the years, from folk music to psychedelia to rock and punk. —Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025

This pink toothpaste works over time to remove stains (and prevent them), whiten teeth, prevent cavities, and freshen your breath. —Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 10 July 2025

The average American spends 90,000 hours at work over the course of their life, about one-third of their adult waking hours. —Steve Potts, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for work over

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