work over
verb
worked over; working over; works over
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.
Examples of work over in a Sentence
the mob boss's thugs really worked him over
Recent Examples on the Web
For fans and players alike, this win validates all the hard work over the season and sets up the program as a serious national contender going forward.
—
Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2025
How’s that worked over the last decade?
—Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 4 Dec. 2025
His work over the last two victories, against the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs, has distinguished the Cowboys as a possible playoff threat, though a perfect finish would still require outside help.
—Jeff Howe, New York Times, 2 Dec. 2025
Still, several contributors praised Patel for rolling back diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, prioritizing case work over headquarters administrative roles, and supporting aggressive joint operations with federal prosecutors.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 1 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for work over
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Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2025
How’s that worked over the last decade?
—Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 4 Dec. 2025
His work over the last two victories, against the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs, has distinguished the Cowboys as a possible playoff threat, though a perfect finish would still require outside help.
—Jeff Howe, New York Times, 2 Dec. 2025
Still, several contributors praised Patel for rolling back diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, prioritizing case work over headquarters administrative roles, and supporting aggressive joint operations with federal prosecutors.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 1 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for work over
Cite this Entry
“Work over.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/work%20over. Accessed 13 Dec. 2025.
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