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

Her work over the decades earned her a number of accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor. — CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026

With Innovative Artists since May 2007, Shaffer has worked over the years with clients including Abigail Cowen, Sofia Pernas, Jennifer Esposito, Moon Bloodgood, Raoul Trujillo, David Lim, Denim Richards, Lavel Schley, and Aaron Jennings. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2026

Forecasting the Field The typical Grammy heavyweights (Taylor, Harry, and Bruno) all released work over the past year, so expect them to be nominated in at least the Record or Song of the Year categories. — Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 14 Oct. 2026

Selections were based on an executive’s decision-making authority — the ability to greenlight, commission or finance content — combined with the impact and performance of their work over the past 12 months. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 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