Pronunciation

/knock/

Definitions

• Verb: (v) To strike with a sudden, sharp blow, typically with the hand or an object against something, often to gain attention or access. Example: “He knocked on the door before entering.”
• Noun: (n) The sound made by the action of knocking, or a single instance of this action. Example: “I heard a loud knock at the door.”
• Verb (idiomatic): (v) To criticize or find fault with something. Example: “The critics have been knocking the new play ever since its debut.”

Phrases

• “Knock on wood” is used to express the hope that one’s good fortune will continue or that a negative event won’t happen.
• “Don’t knock it till you try it” is an expression encouraging people to not dismiss something without first experiencing it.
• “To knock on someone’s door” means to visit or call upon someone, often unexpectedly.

Example Sentences

• Verb: “She gently knocked on her neighbor’s door to borrow some sugar.”
• Noun: “There was a persistent knock throughout the night which kept us awake.”
• Idiomatic: “After winning five games in a row, he knocked on wood to avoid jinxing his streak.”

Synonyms

• Rap
• Tap
• Bang
• Strike
• Thump
• Hit
• Criticize
• Find fault with