knockout

knock-out · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    An act of knocking someone out, especially in boxing.

  2. 2.

    A competition in which the loser of each match is eliminated.

  3. 3.

    An extremely attractive or impressive person or thing (informal).

Forms

plural: knockouts

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    knockout blow — a decisive finishing blow
  • •
    knockout punch — a punch that renders someone unconscious

Related words

See also: boxing, knock, knocked
Synonyms: KO, beauty, stunner

Etymology

From the phrasal verb knock out, formed in the 19th century in boxing contexts.