What does knockdown mean?
“Knockdown” is a versatile word with several related meanings. As a noun, it can describe a blow or fall that brings someone down, a serious defeat, or a substance used to induce sedation. As an adjective, it describes something overwhelming, temporarily incapacitating, or designed to be dismantled. The phrase “take a knockdown” refers to suffering a severe setback, while “knockdown price” means a greatly reduced price. In boxing, a knockdown is different from a knockout: it may leave the boxer standing or able to continue. The word is also used for a temporary work surface supported at a convenient height, especially in workshops and kitchens. Its vivid core idea is bringing something down abruptly, whether literally, financially, medically, or competitively.
A blow, fall, or defeat that causes someone or something to be knocked down; also a drug or substance that induces sedation or temporary unconsciousness.
"The fighter recovered from the knockdown and continued the bout."
In boxing, a knockdown is not necessarily a knockout, since the boxer may rise and resume the contest.
Overwhelming or decisive in effect; designed to be knocked down or dismantled; sufficiently low to substantially reduce a price.
"The company offered the goods at a knockdown price."
The phrase “knockdown price” is common in commerce, while “knockdown effect” often means a dramatic visual or emotional impact.
To knock someone or something down.
"The wind knocked down several trees in the park."
This form is less common in ordinary speech than the noun and adjective uses, and it can sound direct or forceful.
The plural is used for separate blows, defeats, or sedative doses.
"The boxer suffered several knockdowns before the match ended."
From a fighting blow to a sedative that leaves someone unaware, “knockdown” describes effects that overwhelm or bring down their target.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does knockdown come from?
The word is formed by combining “knock” with the directional particle “down,” originally referring to a blow that makes someone fall. It developed figurative uses for defeats and for substances or forces capable of bringing a person down. The related word “knockout,” formed in the same compound pattern, originally referred to a blow that renders an opponent unconscious.
Related word forms
How knockdown is actually used
The adjective is commonly used for a decisive or overwhelming effect, as in “knockdown price” or “knockdown force.” In sport, a knockdown and a knockout are distinct: a knockdown may leave a boxer temporarily off balance but able to continue.
Easily confused with knockdown
A knockdown is a blow or defeat that brings someone down, whereas a knockout is a blow that renders someone unconscious or causes their elimination from a contest.
A knockdown brings a person or thing down, while a lockdown is a restrictive measure used to control activity or movement.