knock about
/ˌnɑk əˈbaʊt/ verb- To hit (someone or something) all over repeatedly; hence, to behave violently towards or mistreat (someone or something). · It was known that he would knock his wife about when he had been drinking.
- To knock back a drink; to finish a drink.
- To move or roam around aimlessly; to be in circulation.
- To live an unconventional life.
- To be present at or inhabit a certain place.
- To engage in a relaxing activity in a place; to hang around in. · I like to knock about the garden on Saturdays.
- Often followed by with: to spend time companionably; to hang around. · I used to knock about with John when we were younger.· John and I used to knock about when we were younger.
- To be mislaid in a place. · I’ve got some scissors knocking about in the kitchen.
Learn knock about in real texts
With a free account, hover any word in the library for its meaning, hear it read aloud, save words for review timed to your memory, and see how much of each book you already know.