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

By the time the series concluded in 2021, Kusama had produced roughly 900 works over 12 years. — Tessa Solomon For Artnews, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026

OpenAI has lost many of the people who have led its safety work over the years, with some criticizing the company’s commercial focus on the way out. — Alex Heath, Time, 26 Aug. 2026

In the wake of Parton’s death at 80, here’s a look back at some of her philanthropic work over the decades. — Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026

Counsell views getting Palencia consistent work over the final five weeks as a must. — Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 22 Aug. 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