punch1

 
Pronunciation: /pʌn(t)ʃ/

verb

[with object]
  • 1strike with the fist: he punched her in the face and ran off
  • 2press (a button or key on a machine): I punched the button to summon the lift
  • (punch something in/into) enter information by punching a button or key on a machine: he crossed to the VDU on his other desk and punched in a series of numbers
  • 3North American drive (cattle) by prodding them with a stick.

noun

  • a blow with the fist: he reeled under the well-aimed punch
  • [mass noun] informal the strength needed to deliver a blow: he has the punch to knock out anyone in his division
  • [in singular] informal the power to impress or attract attention; impact: photos give their arguments an extra visual punch

Phrases

beat someone to the punch

informal anticipate or forestall someone’s actions: he was driven on by the fear that someone might beat him to the punch in documenting the movement

punch above one's weight

informal engage in an activity or contest perceived as being beyond one’s abilities: there is something about the British that makes them punch above their weight in a number of entertainment industries

punch the (time) clock

North American
(of an employee) clock in or out.
be employed in a conventional job with regular hours: he punches the clock from nine to five and is happy with his job

punch someone's lights out

see lights.

Phrasal Verbs

punch in (or out)

North American (of an employee) clock in (or out): she couldn’t punch in, because there were no time clocks

Derivatives

puncher

noun

Origin:

late Middle English (as a verb in the sense 'puncture, prod'): variant of pounce1