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

That made auctions, somewhat counterintuitively, one of the more attractive places to buy important works over the past six months. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 17 July 2026

Earlier this year, Lowe’s announced a $250 million commitment to help train 250,000 skilled trade workers in fields like plumbing, carpentry, and electrical work over the next decade. — Preston Fore, Fortune, 16 July 2026

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

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