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

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

Men were more likely to buy at higher price points, with 13% of men buying works over $100,000 compared to 7% for women. — Robert Frank, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026

Obviously, the plan worked over a two-year period, and even into 2025. — Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 5 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