punch
UK[pʌntʃ]US[pʌntʃ]
v
to hit someone or something hard with your fist
n
a quick, strong hit made with the fist
n
a sweet, often alcoholic drink made from a mixture of fruit juices, spices, etc.
n
a tool or machine for making holes or stamping designs
Etymology
the verb 'punch,' meaning to strike with the fist, first appeared in english in the late 14th century. its origin is uncertain but it is likely a variant of the middle english word 'pouncen,' meaning to stamp, prod, or pierce, which itself came from old french 'poinçonner.' this french term derives from 'poinçon,' meaning a pointed tool, tracing back to latin 'punctio' (a pricking). the sense of a tool for piercing or stamping developed directly from this lineage. the meaning of the beverage 'punch' entered english in the early 17th century from hindi 'pā̃ć' (meaning five), referring to the five original ingredients: arrack, sugar, lemon, water, and tea or spices, showing a separate, convergent etymological path.
Analysis
the word 'punch' is a simplex word of uncertain, possibly multiple, etymological origins. it does not neatly divide into meaningful morphemes based on its modern english spelling.
Examples
he was so angry he wanted to punch the wall.
she gave him a playful punch on the arm.
we served fruit punch at the children's party.