knocking Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the sound of knocking (as on a door or in an engine or bearing)
    knock.
    • the knocking grew louder
  2. verb deliver a sharp blow or push :"He knocked the glass clear across the room"
    knock; strike hard.
  3. verb rap with the knuckles
    knock.
    • knock on the door
  4. verb knock against with force or violence
    bump; knock.
    • My car bumped into the tree
  5. verb make light, repeated taps on a surface
    pink; knock; tap; rap.
    • he was tapping his fingers on the table impatiently
  6. verb sound like a car engine that is firing too early
    pink; knock; ping.
    • the car pinged when I put in low-octane gasoline
    • The car pinked when the ignition was too far retarded
  7. verb find fault with; express criticism of; point out real or perceived flaws
    criticise; knock; pick apart; criticize.
    • The paper criticized the new movie
    • Don't knock the food--it's free

WordNet


Knock"ing noun
Definitions
  1. A beating; a rap; a series of raps.
    The . . . repeated knockings of the head upon the ground by the Chinese worshiper. H. Spencer.

Webster 1913