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)

uppercut, uppercutting 

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

verb (used without object)

uppercut, uppercutting 

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

"I've tried to stay present, but the past jumped into my head and the future jumped into my head as well. I gave myself a few uppercuts and tried to stay present," he said.

From BBC

Finally, on July 18, 2022, the couple sat across from a neurologist who delivered the diagnosis with all the delicacy of an uppercut.

From Los Angeles Times

Mayor Karen Bass, not known as a public brawler until recently, is ducking punches and throwing her own jabs and uppercuts.

From Los Angeles Times

Chavez's best moments came in the ninth round when he landed an uppercut and right hook.

From BBC

A sharp right hook to the body, followed by a thudding left hook and a crisp left uppercut brought an early end to Duka's night.

From BBC

Related Words

• bat 
• batter 
• beat 
• belt 
• blast 
• kick 
• knock 
• knock out 
• nail 
• pop 
• punch 
• slap 
• smack 
• whack