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

Rea, 27, landed power punches but Arthur, 34, fought fire with fire with stinging uppercuts as the intensity rarely dropped over 12 rounds.

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His late-life boxing fame began three years ago when his son Paul made a video in which he said to Frank: "Show me how to throw an uppercut".

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Yet it was a right uppercut from Wardley in the 10th round which swung the bout firmly back in favour of the underdog.

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With the names of his children, Betty and George, etched on his shorts, Allen started to stalk Makhmudov, with a massive body shot followed by a right uppercut landing in the fifth round.

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"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.

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Related Words

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