Pronunciation: /nɑk/

Definitions of knock

noun a sharp rap or blow, typically one made by knocking on a door

Example Sentences

A1 I heard a knock on the door.

A2 She gave a gentle knock to get his attention.

B1 The knock on the window startled me.

B2 There was a loud knock coming from the basement.

C1 The knock on the door was followed by a voice asking to come in.

C2 The rhythmic knock on the table indicated impatience.

verb to strike a surface noisily to attract attention or gain entry

Example Sentences

A1 I knock on the door before entering.

A2 She knocked on the table to get everyone's attention.

B1 The police knocked on the suspect's door to question him.

B2 He knocked on the wall to see if it was hollow.

C1 The inspector knocked on the wood to check for termites.

C2 The musician knocked on the piano keys to test their sound quality.

Examples of knock in a Sentence

formal The police officer gave a firm knock on the door before announcing himself.

informal I'll just give a quick knock on their door to see if they're home.

slang I heard a loud knock at the door and knew it was my friend messing around.

figurative His words seemed to knock her confidence, but she tried to stay strong.

Grammatical Forms of knock

past tense

knocked

plural

knocks

comparative

more knock

superlative

most knock

present tense

knock

future tense

will knock

perfect tense

have knocked

continuous tense

is knocking

singular

knock

positive degree

knock

infinitive

to knock

gerund

knocking

participle

knocked

Origin and Evolution of knock

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Old English
Story behind the word: The word 'knock' originated from the Old English word 'cnocian' which was derived from the Proto-Germanic word 'knuk-' meaning 'to strike, beat'.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'knock' has retained its basic meaning of a sharp rap or blow on a surface, but has also evolved to encompass a wider range of actions such as knocking on doors or objects to gain attention or entry.