knockout
|knock/out|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈnɑːk.aʊt/
🇬🇧
/ˈnɒk.aʊt/
decisive impact
Etymology
Etymology Information
'knockout' originates from the combination of 'knock' and 'out', where 'knock' meant 'to strike' and 'out' meant 'outside or away'.
Historical Evolution
'knockout' evolved from the phrase 'knock out' used in boxing to describe a blow that renders an opponent unconscious.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to render unconscious', but over time it evolved to also mean 'extremely attractive or impressive'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a blow that renders an opponent unconscious in a boxing match.
The boxer delivered a knockout punch in the final round.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a person or thing that is overwhelmingly impressive or attractive.
She was a knockout in that dress.
Synonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42