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

Graves said the police department worked over the summer, reprogramming the light bars to show a steady blue light. —Dominick Williams, Kansas City Star, 23 Sep. 2025

John Cooper described how much Redford enjoyed working over ideas with young filmmakers at the Sundance Institute each summer. —Scott Simon, NPR, 20 Sep. 2025

In addition to doomscrolling, a 2021 survey found Americans prioritize work over friendships amid high living costs. —Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025

More women are founding companies, reshaping leadership, and challenging the notion that professional success requires prioritizing work over family. —Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 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