Knock: meaning, definitions and examples

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knock

[nɒk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

on a door

To strike a surface with a sharp blow, typically a door, in order to attract attention or gain entry.

Synonyms

bang, pound, tap.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
knock	A polite and typical way to get someone's attention before entering a room or house. Usually associated with a steady, light sound. He knocked on the door before entering his boss's office. Please knock before you come in.
bang	A loud, sudden noise, often causing surprise or alarm. Can sometimes have a negative connotation if it indicates a mistake or accident. She heard a loud bang coming from the garage. The door banged shut behind him, startling everyone.
pound	To hit something with heavy, repeated, and forceful strokes. Often used when describing a more intense action, either physically exertive or emotional. He pounds the nails into the wood with a hammer. Her heart was pounding in her chest as she waited for the results.
tap	A very light, gentle, and quick touch or hit, often used to gently get someone's attention or when referring to a rhythmic or repetitive soft sound. She tapped him on the shoulder to get his attention. The rain tapped lightly against the window.

Examples of usage

He knocked on the door before entering the room.
I knocked on the door but no one answered.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

sound

A sharp, rapping sound made by striking a surface.

Synonyms

rap, tap, thud.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
knock	Used to describe hitting something or someone with a quick, sharp movement, often accidentally. He accidentally knocked the vase off the shelf. Be careful not to knock your head on that low beam.
rap	Used to describe hitting a surface sharply and quickly, often multiple times, typically to attract attention. It’s also common in formal or literary contexts. She rapped on the table to get everyone's attention. There was a sudden rap on the window.
thud	Used to describe a heavy, muffled sound that occurs when something falls or is dropped. This word often has a negative or alarming connotation. The book fell off the shelf with a loud thud. He landed on the ground with a painful thud.
tap	Used to describe a light, often repetitive, touch or hit, usually to get attention without making much noise. He tapped her shoulder to get her attention. Please tap the microphone to see if it's working.

Examples of usage

I heard a knock on the door.
There was a quiet knock at the window.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old English 'cnoccan', which means to strike or hit.
It has Germanic roots, shared with the Dutch word 'knokken', meaning to hit or bang.
Throughout history, different cultures have had unique onomatopoeic words for knocking, often mimicking the sound itself.

Cultural Practices

In many cultures, it's polite to knock before entering a room or home, signaling respect for privacy.
Knocking is often involved in customs like 'knock on wood', a superstition for warding off bad luck.
Certain knocks, like a three-time knock, have different meanings in various traditions, sometimes signaling urgency or specific rituals.

Pop Culture

Knocking has been depicted in countless films and books as a suspenseful moment, heightening drama before a character enters.
The famous children's game 'Knock-Knock Jokes' revolves around a playful exchange, emphasizing wordplay.
Songs often feature knocking as a metaphor for opportunities or challenges knocking at your door.

Psychology

Studies show that the way a person knocks can convey different emotional states, such as anxiety or confidence.
Knocking is often perceived as a non-verbal communication signal that can affect how welcomed someone feels.
The sound of knocking can evoke various emotional responses in people, from anticipation to fear, depending on context.

Science

Acoustically, the sound of knocking can depend on the material being knocked, affecting both the loudness and tone.
Knocking generates sound waves that travel and resonate differently based on environments, influencing how we perceive it.
In some animal species, knocking or tapping is used as a form of communication to attract mates or warn off rivals.

Translations

Translations of the word "knock" in other languages:

🇵🇹 bater

🇮🇳 खटखटाना

🇩🇪 klopfen

🇮🇩 ketuk

🇺🇦 стукати

🇵🇱 pukać

🇯🇵 ノックする (nokku suru)

🇫🇷 frapper

🇪🇸 golpear

🇹🇷 vurmak

🇰🇷 두드리다 (dudulida)

🇸🇦 طرق

🇨🇿 klepat

🇸🇰 klopať

🇨🇳 敲 (qiāo)

🇸🇮 trkati

🇮🇸 banka

🇰🇿 қағу

🇬🇪 დაკაკუნება (dak'ak'uneba)

🇦🇿 döymək

🇲🇽 golpear

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,146 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
7143 innocence
7144 domination
7145 swung
7146 knock
7147 underneath
7148 statistically
7149 nutrient
...