Definition of "knock" in Anglais

noun

1. An abrupt rapping sound, as from an impact of a hard object against wood.

2. A sharp impact.

   • He took a knock on the head.

3. (figuratively, informal) A criticism.

4. (figuratively, informal) A blow or setback.

5. (automotive, uncountable) Preignition, a type of abnormal combustion occurring in spark ignition engines caused by self-ignition; also, the characteristic knocking sound associated with it.

6. (cricket, slang) A batsman's innings.

   • He had a good knock and scored well.

7. (baseball) A ball hit into play, especially one that becomes a hit.

   • He played a slow but sure knock of 35.

8. (cycling, uncountable) Synonym of hunger knock.

verb

1. (intransitive) To rap one's knuckles against something, especially wood.

   • Knock on the door and find out if they’re home.

2. (transitive, dated) To strike for admittance; to rap upon, as a door.

3. (transitive, colloquial, originally US) To criticize verbally; to denigrate; to undervalue.

   • Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.

4. (transitive, soccer) To kick a ball towards another player; to pass.

5. (transitive, baseball) To hit a ball into play.

6. (transitive, British, slang, dated) To impress forcibly or strongly; to astonish; to move to admiration or applause.

7. (ambitransitive, dated) To bump or impact.

   • I knocked against the table and bruised my leg.
   • I accidentally knocked my drink off the bar.

8. (transitive, slang) To have sex with.

9. (transitive, slang) To prosecute under the law; to arrest, imprison, etc.

10. (intransitive, card games, rummy) To end play by declaring one's hand to have under a certain amount of deadwood.