knock-down

6.0

A very strong force that makes someone fall or feel unable to answer

adjective
/ˈnɑkˌdaʊn/

: potente

The boxer delivered a knock-down punch to his opponent.

Examples

The prosecutor's knock-down argument left the defense speechless.
The boxer delivered a knock-down punch that ended the match quickly.
The storm hit with knock-down force, causing significant damage across the region.
That was a knock-down fight!
The boxer delivered a knock-down punch that left his opponent on the mat.
Her knock-down argument left everyone speechless, completely overwhelming their objections.
The storm brought a knock-down force that knocked trees down across the area.

Synonyms

powerful

vsknock-down

∞ 1.7

Having great physical strength, like a strong machine or person

is strong enough to send someone or something to the ground or overwhelm

knockout

vsknock-down

14 5.1

Very strong and impressive in a way that has a big effect

is a physical force that sends someone or something to the ground or overwhelms

concussive

vsknock-down

2 7.7

A strong shock from an explosion or blow that knocks things around

is strong enough to send someone or something to the ground or overwhelm

Antonyms

soft

552 1.0

Easily pressed when you touch it

gentle

235 1.0

Kind and not strong in action, sound, or touch

How Powerful

devastating

224 5.1

knock-down

6.0

powerful

∞ 1.7

light

79 1.0

Surface Forms

knock-down positive

knock-downer comparative

knock-downest superlative

Morphology

knock-down = knock + down (transparent) = knock + down

The adjective is directly built from the verb 'knock' + particle 'down' meaning capable of knocking something to a lower position, which is clear to learners who know the components.

Etymology

Knock-down comes from the two simple words knock and down, which together mean 'to hit so someone falls'. So a knock-down punch literally knocks someone to the ground, and a knock-down argument 'defeats' the other side.