knock
UK[nɒk]US[nɑːk]
v
to hit a surface, especially a door, with your hand or a hard object to attract attention
v
to hit something or someone, often causing damage or injury
n
the sound made by hitting a hard surface, especially a door
n
an act of hitting something or someone
Etymology
the word 'knock' originates from the old english verb 'cnocian', meaning to strike or pound. it is believed to be of imitative origin, likely echoing the sharp, percussive sound of a blow. this onomatopoeic root is shared with other germanic languages, such as middle dutch and middle low german 'knocken'. over time, its meaning specialized to often refer to the act of striking a door to gain entry, while retaining its core sense of delivering a sharp blow or impact.
Analysis
this word is a simplex form of old english origin. it is not productively composed of separable morphemes in modern english.
Examples
please knock on the door before entering.
he accidentally knocked the vase off the table.
we heard a loud knock at the door late at night.