Antonyms for punch


Grammar : Noun, verb
Spell : puhnch
Phonetic Transcription : pʌntʃ


Definition of punch

Origin :
  • "to thrust, push; jostle;" also, "prod, to drive (cattle, etc.) by poking and prodding," late 14c., from Old French ponchonner "to punch, prick, stamp," from ponchon "pointed tool, piercing weapon" (see punch (n.1)). Meaning "to pierce, emboss with a tool" is from early 15c.; meaning "to stab, puncture" is from mid-15c. To punch a ticket, etc., is from mid-15c. To punch the clock "record one's arrival at or departure from the workplace using an automated timing device" is from 1900. Related: Punched; punching.
  • Perhaps you are some great big chief, who has a lot to say.Who lords it o'er the common herd who chance to come your way;Well, here is where your arrogance gets a dreadful shock,When you march up, like a private, salute, and PUNCH THE CLOCK.[from "Punch the Clock," by "The Skipper," "The Commercial Telegraphers' Journal," May 1912]
  • Specialized sense "to hit with the fist" first recorded 1520s. Cf. Latin pugnare "to fight with the fists," from a root meaning "to pierce, sting." In English this was probably influenced by punish; "punch" or "punsch" for "punish" is found in documents from 14c.-15c.:
  • punchyth me, Lorde, and spare my blyssyd wyff Anne. [Coventry Mystery Plays, late 15c.]
  • To punch (someone) out "beat up" is from 1971.
  • noun hit
  • noun energy, vigor
  • verb perforate, prick
Example sentences :
  • This operation is performed by the aid of a punch and die fitted into a screw-press.
  • Extract from : « The Story of the Invention of Steel Pens » by Henry Bore
  • This affair had set us drinking, and I got a good deal of punch aboard.
  • Extract from : « Ned Myers » by James Fenimore Cooper
  • Well, then, I will turn back with you; but the punch will all be gone, mark my words.
  • Extract from : « In the Valley » by Harold Frederic
  • But this time the cigar and the punch seemed to fail of their effect.
  • Extract from : « Night and Morning, Complete » by Edward Bulwer-Lytton
  • Carton, still drinking the punch, rejoined, "Why should I be astonished?"
  • Extract from : « A Tale of Two Cities » by Charles Dickens
  • Carton, still drinking the punch, rejoined, "Why should I not approve?"
  • Extract from : « A Tale of Two Cities » by Charles Dickens
  • Why, marry, I can brew a bowl of punch, and I can broil a devilled fowl.
  • Extract from : « Micah Clarke » by Arthur Conan Doyle
  • Presently he went into the dockshed on his unending quest of "the punch."
  • Extract from : « The Harbor » by Ernest Poole
  • You'll get a punch on the jaw in a minute, young fellow me lad!
  • Extract from : « Changing Winds » by St. John G. Ervine
  • Give the Public what it wants; and what the Public wants is punch and go.
  • Extract from : « Hall-Marked and Others (From Six Short Plays) » by John Galsworthy

Synonyms for punch

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019