knock

/nɑk/
noun
  1. A sharp, striking sound, especially at a door.
    • I heard a knock and went to see who it was.
    • The knock on the window startled the cat.
    • There was a loud knock at the front door.
  2. A hit or blow that causes injury or damage.
    • He received a nasty knock on the head from the low beam.
    • The boxer took a hard knock to the jaw.
    • The table had a few knocks and scratches from years of use.
  3. A critical comment or piece of criticism.
    • The reviewer gave the book a few knocks but overall liked it.
    • One common knock against the plan is its high cost.
    • She took the knock in stride and improved her work.
verb
  1. To strike a surface with a sharp sound, especially to get someone's attention.
    • He knocked three times on the heavy wooden door.
    • Please knock before entering the room.
    • She knocked on the window to get his attention.
  2. To hit something or someone, often causing damage or injury.
    • Be careful not to knock the vase off the table.
    • The car knocked over a mailbox as it swerved.
    • The falling branch knocked him on the head.
  3. To criticize or find fault with someone or something.
    • Critics knocked the movie for its weak plot.
    • He's always knocking the way I cook.
    • Don't knock it until you've tried it.
  4. To make a pounding or tapping noise, as an engine or machine.
    • The old engine started to knock after a few miles.
    • I heard a knocking sound coming from the washing machine.
    • The mechanic said the car's engine was knocking and needed repair.
Antonyms