knock about

== English == === Etymology === From knock (verb) + about. === Pronunciation === (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˌnɒk əˈbaʊt/ (General American) IPA(key): /ˌnɑk əˈbaʊt/ Rhymes: -aʊt === Verb === knock about (third-person singular simple present knocks about, present participle knocking about, simple past and past participle knocked about) (informal) (transitive) To hit (someone or something) all over repeatedly; hence, to behave violently towards or mistreat (someone or something). Synonyms: knock around, knock round (transitive) To knock back a drink; to finish a drink. (intransitive, informal) To move or roam around aimlessly; to be in circulation. Synonyms: knock around, knock round (by extension) To live an unconventional life. To be present at or inhabit a certain place. Synonym: hang around (by extension) To engage in a relaxing activity in a place; to hang around in. Synonyms: potter about, potter around (by extension) Often followed by with: to spend time companionably; to hang around. Synonyms: hang, hang about, knock around, knock round (by extension, usually in present participial form) To be mislaid in a place. Synonyms: knock around, knock round, lie around ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ==== === Further reading === “knock about, phrasal v.” under “knock, v.”, in OED Online ⁠, Oxford: Oxford University Press, December 2022.