knock out

Idioms  

1. Also, knock out cold . Render unconscious by a blow or some other means. For example, It was just a swinging door, but it knocked her out , or Just one of those sleeping pills can knock you out cold . [Late 1500s]

2. Make tired, exhaust, as in That sightseeing tour knocked me out .

3. Render useless or inoperative, as in The storm knocked out the power .

4. See knock off , def. 2.

5. See knock oneself out .

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Example Sentences

“We can’t keep rebuilding the same vulnerable systems while copper theft continues to knock out lights across Los Angeles,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

Tudor was part of the Croatia squad that was knocked out of the 1998 World Cup at the semi-final stage, eventually finishing third.

From BBC

Every men’s hockey team vying for a medal at the Olympics has come to Milan loaded up with NHL stars, Stanley Cup champions and guys who have had their teeth knocked out by Hall-of-Famers.

From The Wall Street Journal

"My breath was knocked out of me," she added.

From BBC

But that was offset by a Premier League record of seven wins, eight draws and 11 defeats this season, with Spurs also knocked out of both domestic cup competitions.

From Barron's