Punches Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ‘Š
Add to dictionary

punches

[หˆpสŒntสƒษชz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in a fight

A punch is a blow with the fist. It is a common method of attacking or defending in a physical altercation.

Synonyms

blow, hit, strike.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
blow

A generalized term for any kind of forceful hit or impact. It can be used in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

  • He received a heavy blow to the head
  • The companyโ€™s bankruptcy was a severe blow to the local economy
hit

A generic term for striking someone or something, applicable in a wide range of situations. Slightly informal and very versatile.

  • Donโ€™t hit your sister
  • The ball hit the window and shattered it
strike

A more formal term that indicates a deliberate, forceful hit. Often used in contexts like sports, military actions, and labor disputes.

  • The workers decided to go on strike demanding better working conditions
  • The boxer aimed a swift strike at his opponent

Examples of usage

  • He threw a powerful punch at his opponent.
  • She dodged the punch and counterattacked.
  • The boxer's punches were quick and precise.
Context #2 | Verb

using fists

To punch is to strike someone or something with a closed fist.

Synonyms

hit, knock, strike.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
punches

Usually used in the context of fighting or boxing, where one person delivers a blow with their fist.

  • He threw several punches at his opponent during the match
  • She punched the wall in frustration
hit

A general term for making physical contact, either with an object or a person, often but not always with force.

  • She hit the ball with the bat
  • He accidentally hit his head on the door
strike

Typically used to describe a powerful hit or blow, often in a sports or military context. It can also refer to a sudden occurrence of something, like a disaster or problem.

  • The baseball player struck the ball with great force
  • The workers decided to strike for better wages
knock

Often used to describe the act of making a sound on a surface, usually a door, to get someone's attention. It can also mean to collide with something, usually unintentionally.

  • She knocked on the door and waited for someone to answer
  • The car knocked into a tree

Examples of usage

  • He punched the wall in frustration.
  • The bully punched the victim in the face.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In boxing, a knockout punch is a dramatic ending where one fighter wins by knocking out their opponent.
  • Movies often feature epic fight scenes where punches are thrown, highlighting conflict and resolution in storytelling.

Sports

  • Professional boxing has a variety of punching techniques, including jabs, hooks, and uppercuts, each designed for different attack strategies.
  • There are weight classes in boxing that determine the matchups, ensuring fair play based on fighters' sizes and strengths.

Nutrition

  • Fruit punches are popular at parties, often made with fruit juices and carbonated drinks, catering to different taste preferences.
  • Homemade fruit punches can be healthier by using real fruit and less sugar compared to store-bought versions.

Psychology

  • Physical aggression, such as throwing punches, can be linked to emotional responses like anger or frustration.
  • Learning to manage emotions can reduce the likelihood of resorting to physical punching during conflicts.

Origin of 'punches'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'punch' comes from the Hindi word 'panch', meaning 'five', as the original recipe called for five ingredients.
  • The term in the context of striking has roots in the Old French word 'ponchier', which means 'to hit'.

The word 'punch' originated from the Hindi word 'paรฑc', which means 'five'. This term was used in reference to the five fingers of the hand, as punches are typically delivered with a closed fist. The concept of punching as a form of combat has been present in human history for centuries, evolving into a fundamental aspect of many fighting styles.


See also: punch, puncher.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,785, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.