knockout
UK[ˈnɒkaʊt]US[ˈnɑːkaʊt]
n
an act of making an opponent unconscious in boxing, or a blow that does this.
n
a competition in which the loser of each match is eliminated.
adj
extremely attractive or impressive.
Morpheme Breakdown
knock
out
knock
out
Etymology
the word 'knockout' is a compound formed from two native english elements. the verb 'knock', with origins in old english, describes the action of striking a blow. the adverb 'out' signifies a state of being external, removed, or brought to a conclusion. in the sporting context of boxing, first recorded in the late 19th century, the term literally describes the act of striking an opponent so that they are rendered unconscious and thus 'out' of the contest. this vivid physical sense was later extended metaphorically to describe competitions with elimination rounds and, as an adjective, to anything so impressive it figuratively 'knocks one out'.
Analysis
Structure: knock + out
knock (from middle english 'knokken', old english 'cnocian', of imitative origin; meaning: to strike). out (from old english 'ūt', of germanic origin; meaning: external, outward, to completion).
Examples
the boxer won the match with a stunning knockout in the third round.
the tournament will be played under knockout rules.
she looked absolutely knockout in her evening gown.