uppercut

[ uhp-er-kuht ]

noun

1. a swinging blow directed upward, as to an adversary's chin.
2. Bridge. a play of a higher trump than necessary knowing it can be overtrumped by an opponent but that if overtrumped, one or more trump winners in the hand of one's partner will be established.

verb (used with object)

, up·per·cut, up·per·cut·ting.

1. to strike (an opponent) with an uppercut.

verb (used without object)

, up·per·cut, up·per·cut·ting.

1. to deliver an uppercut.
2. Bridge. to make an uppercut.

uppercut

/ ˈʌpəˌkʌt /

noun

1. a short swinging upward blow with the fist delivered at an opponent's chin

verb

1. to hit (an opponent) with an uppercut

Word History and Origins

Origin of uppercut¹

First recorded in 1840–50; upper ¹ + cut

Example Sentences

A swooping uppercut just misses the chin of Jones, who continues to clinch to keep Tyson at bay.

From Washington Post

In February, witnesses told Deadspin that Ray Rice threw an “uppercut” and struck her “like he [would punch] a guy.”

From The Daily Beast

He feinted, and drove a vicious uppercut to the jaw of Dr. Friedrich von Stein.

From Project Gutenberg

Don Mathers gripped his hands together into a double fist and brought them upward in a vicious uppercut.

From Project Gutenberg

Ponta hurled himself upon him with terrific force, delivering an uppercut and a straight punch.

From Project Gutenberg

Then, in the breakaways, he began to uppercut Ponta on the stomach, or to hook his jaw or strike straight out upon the mouth.

From Project Gutenberg

For while they had been lost in the smother of dust, Taylor had landed a deadening uppercut on the big mans chin.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bump
• concussion
• impact
• jab
• jolt
• kick
• punch
• shock
• slap
• stroke