How Do You Spell KNOCK OVER?

Pronunciation: [nˈɒk ˈə͡ʊvə] (IPA)

The spelling of "knock over" is interesting as it appears to be contradictory. The "k" and "n" sounds are both pronounced, even though they are usually silent when they appear together in words. The "ock" represents the short "o" sound, and the "o" represents the long "o" sound. The "ver" is pronounced as "vər," with the "e" being silent. Therefore, the IPA transcription for "knock over" is /nɒk ˈəʊvər/. Despite its unusual spelling, "knock over" is a commonly used phrasal verb meaning to unintentionally cause something to fall over.

KNOCK OVER Meaning and Definition

1. Knock over is a phrasal verb that is typically used to describe the action of causing an object to fall or tip over, often by accidentally hitting or bumping into it. This term is commonly employed when referring to an unintentional act that results in the dislodgement or disruption of an item's equilibrium, causing it to lose its upright position.

   The term "knock over" is often associated with sudden and forceful impacts or collisions that cause an object to lose its stability and topple onto its side, or even to the ground. It can be used to describe incidents ranging from minor accidents, such as accidentally knocking over a glass of water on a table, to more significant occurrences, like bumping into a shelf and causing multiple items to fall.

   Moreover, "knock over" may also refer to the act of robbing or stealing from a person or establishment, often involving the use of force or threats. This secondary definition arises from using "knock over" metaphorically to describe aggressively taking something by surprise or forcefully removing it from someone's possession.

   Overall, "knock over" encompasses both literal and metaphorical meanings, relating to causing objects to fall or overturn due to accidents, collisions, or unexpected actions, as well as unlawfully taking possessions through force.

Common Misspellings for KNOCK OVER

• knockover
• jnock over
• mnock over
• lnock over
• onock over
• inock over
• kbock over
• kmock over
• kjock over
• khock over
• knick over
• knkck over
• knlck over
• knpck over
• kn0ck over
• kn9ck over
• knoxk over
• knovk over
• knofk over
• knodk over

Etymology of KNOCK OVER

The term "knock over" has a straightforward etymology that can be traced back to the combination of two words: "knock" and "over".

The word "knock" is derived from the Old English verb "cnocian", which is related to the Middle Low German "knoken" and the Dutch "knokken". It has been used since the Old English period to refer to the act of striking or hitting something with force.

The word "over" originates from the Old English word "ofer", which comes from the Proto-Germanic root "*ufara". "Ofer" has various meanings related to crossing or moving from one side to another, and it has been used in English since ancient times to indicate movement or position from a higher place to a lower one.

Idioms with the word KNOCK OVER

• knock over with a feather The idiom "knock over with a feather" means to greatly surprise or astonish someone. It implies that the news or information is so unexpected or shocking that it could metaphorically knock someone to the ground with just a feather.
• knock over sth The idiom "knock over something" typically means to accidentally tip or cause something to fall down, often resulting in it getting damaged or broken. It can also be used metaphorically to describe the act of defeating or overcoming something or someone.
• knock over something The idiom "knock over something" means to accidentally cause something to fall or topple over, often due to a collision or impact. It can also imply causing damage or disruption to a plan, project, or structure.
• knock over To knock over something means to accidentally push or hit it so that it falls down or tips over.

Similar spelling words for KNOCK OVER

• uncover,
• knock back,
• knockabout,
• knock off,
• knock up,
• knocker,
• look over,
• fork over,
• Knocked.