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Knock about
//ˌnɒk əˈbaʊt// verb, slang
Definitions
Verb
- 1 To hit (someone or something) all over repeatedly; hence, to behave violently towards or mistreat (someone or something). informal, transitive
"It was known that he would knock his wife about when he had been drinking."
- 2 strike against forcefully wordnet
- 3 To knock back a drink; to finish a drink. informal, transitive
- 4 be around; be alive or active wordnet
- 5 To move or roam around aimlessly. informal, intransitive
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- 6 To move or roam around aimlessly.; To live an unconventional life. broadly, informal, intransitive
- 7 To be present at or inhabit a certain place. informal, intransitive
"He [a hare] used to knock about here in Holleia, and they said he was nearly black. A good many were after him and had a shot at him, but they never had any luck, until this rascally Andreas came here."
- 8 To be present at or inhabit a certain place.; To engage in a relaxing activity in a place; to hang around in. broadly, informal, intransitive
"I like to knock about the garden on Saturdays."
- 9 To be present at or inhabit a certain place.; Often followed by with: to spend time companionably; to hang around. broadly, informal, intransitive
"I used to knock about with John when we were younger."
- 10 To be present at or inhabit a certain place.; To be mislaid in a place. broadly, informal, intransitive
"I’ve got some scissors knocking about in the kitchen."
Etymology
From knock (verb) + about.
See also for "knock about"
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