knockdown

American  

[nok-doun] / ˈnɒkˌdaʊn /

adjective

1. capable of knocking something down; overwhelming; irresistible.

   a knockdown blow.

2. constructed in separate parts that can readily be taken apart for easy storage, shipping, etc..

   a knockdown toolshed.

3. offered or acquired for less than the prevailing rate.

   first-rate goods at knockdown prices.

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noun

1. a knockdown object.

2. an act or instance of knocking down, especially by a blow.

3. something that fells or overwhelms.

4. reduction or lowering, as in price or number.

   The store offered a knockdown of 15 percent to its own employees.

5. Slang. an introduction, especially to a person.

   He gave me a real knockdown to the company.

6. Nautical. the capsizing of a small boat as a result of a strong gust of wind.

Etymology

Origin of knockdown

First recorded in 1680–90; adj., noun use of verb phrase knock down

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

knockdown

The fines come a month after firefighters declared an official knockdown of the stubborn warehouse blaze, which sent thick smoke into the surrounding neighborhoods and across Southern California.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 25, 2026

Even the neuroscientist Anil Seth, one of the most prominent skeptical voices on AI consciousness, concedes there is “no knockdown argument” that consciousness requires a biological substrate.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 10, 2026

Dubois set up a knockdown with a sharp double jab followed by a left hook, sending Harper to the canvas.

From BBC ● Apr. 5, 2026

By the championship rounds, Warrington appeared to need a knockdown, but there was little sign of one coming.

From BBC ● Feb. 21, 2026

“This is when we’re supposed to argue. Have a knockdown, drag-out fight.”

From "Paradise on Fire" by Jewell Parker Rhodes

Related Words

• altercation
• bickering
• brawl
• clash
• controversy
• debate
• disagreement
• dispute
• exchange
• feud
• quarrel
• squabble