technical knockout

American  

noun

Boxing.

1. the termination of a bout by the referee when it is the judgment of the attending physician, a boxer's seconds, or the referee that a boxer cannot continue fighting without sustaining severe or disabling injury. TKO, T.K.O.

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technical knockout British  

noun

1. boxing a judgment of a knockout given when a boxer is in the referee's opinion too badly beaten to continue without risk of serious injury

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Etymology

Origin of technical knockout

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Also on the main card, rising Frenchman Benoit Saint Denis pummelled New Zealand's Dan Hooker with a second round technical knockout in the lightweight.

From Barron's • Feb. 1, 2026

The Nashville, Tenn., native lost to Álvarez by technical knockout in the 11th round in November 2021.

From Los Angeles Times • May 9, 2025

In approving terms for fights, the department’s combative sports staff considers, among other factors, each contestant’s age, medical tests, win-loss record and losses by knockout or technical knockout.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 30, 2024

A few minutes later, Wood's fans were in raptures and journalists were frantically rewriting their copy following the 35-year-old's sensational technical knockout win over Warrington.

From BBC • Oct. 8, 2023

"Funiculi funicula Vincente y Blasco Ibanez vermicelli sul campo della gloria risotto!" said the second waiter clinchingly, and scored a technical knockout.

From The Adventures of Sally by Wodehouse, P. G. (Pelham Grenville)