Knock about

//ˌnɒk əˈbaʊt// verb, slang

Definitions

Verb
  1. 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. 2
    strike against forcefully wordnet
  3. 3
    To knock back a drink; to finish a drink. informal, transitive
  4. 4
    be around; be alive or active wordnet
  5. 5
    To move or roam around aimlessly. informal, intransitive
Show 5 more definitions
  1. 6
    To move or roam around aimlessly.; To live an unconventional life. broadly, informal, intransitive
  2. 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."

  3. 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."

  4. 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."

  5. 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.

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