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.

Examples of work over in a Sentence

the mob boss's thugs really worked him over
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.
Dieting doesn’t work over the long term Dieting is also largely unhelpful, Erlanger noted. CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2025 Miller is dealing with a left shoulder subluxation and has been able to do some on-court work over the past week, according to coach Charles Lee. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 3 Nov. 2025 Using clean hands and working over a colander, wring out the extra water and tear the soaked bread into pieces. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Oct. 2025 Mary Catherine Kinney, who recently started working over there and has always been a big cheerleader in my corner, just as a friend and someone who likes music. Chris Willman, Variety, 30 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for work over

Word History

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of work over was in 1832

Cite this Entry

“Work over.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/work%20over. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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