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

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

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

From BBC ● Feb. 21, 2026

The risk of shooting so tight is that if there is a knockdown you will likely miss the picture.

From BBC ● Dec. 25, 2025

Showing her continued emergence as a knockdown shooter, Jaquez made 10 of 14 shots, including five of six three-pointers, and is now shooting a career-high 48.6% from beyond the arc this season.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 30, 2025

Probably a knockdown or a knockout, he thought; maybe the brash kid had made good his boast.

From "145th Street: Short Stories" by Walter Dean Myers

Related Words

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