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 of work over

• lick
• hide
• pound
• lash
• do
• hit
• punch out
• beat
• whip
• attack
• knock
• assault
• pelt
• 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

The formula uses a groundbreaking Vitamin-B3 complex that works over a period of time to help naturally rebalance your scalp for long-term relief. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 7 July 2026

Pitt, 62, and Swift, 36, have admired each other's work over the years. — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 7 July 2026

This can lead to a unit that has to work over time to reach it's set temperature. — Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 5 July 2026

Here’s what the experts recommend, why midday reapplication matters and the tools that actually work over a finished face. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026

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