Punch
/pʌntʃ/
Definitions
5 meaningsTo strike with a closed fist.
/pʌntʃ/
He punched the heavy bag to practice his boxing skills.
💡 Simply: Like when you're mad at a pillow and you want to hit it with your fist! That's punching.
👶 For kids: To hit someone or something with your fist.
More Examples
The security guard punched the intruder to protect the property.
She punched the air in victory after winning the race.
How It's Used
"The boxer punched his opponent in the face."
"He punched the wall in anger."
A blow with a fist.
/pʌntʃ/
The punch from the boxer sent his opponent reeling.
💡 Simply: That time when you clench your fist and quickly hit someone or something. That hit is the punch.
👶 For kids: The hit you give with your fist.
More Examples
He landed a strong punch that knocked his opponent down.
I felt the punch in my stomach.
How It's Used
"He received a punch to the jaw."
"The boxer delivered a powerful punch."
To make a hole or pierce with a tool.
/pʌntʃ/
She punched a hole in the leather belt.
💡 Simply: Like when you use a hole puncher to make holes in paper or punch a card to say when you are at work.
👶 For kids: To make a hole in something.
More Examples
The worker punched his time card to register his arrival.
You can punch out the shapes using the die cutter.
How It's Used
"She punched holes in the paper for the scrapbook."
"Punch the card at the time clock."
A mixed beverage, typically with fruit juice.
/pʌntʃ/
A beverage.
The children loved the fruit punch at the birthday party.
💡 Simply: It's a big bowl of yummy, usually fruity, drinks that people share at parties!
👶 For kids: A yummy drink with fruit juice.
More Examples
He served a refreshing punch at the summer picnic.
She made a delicious cranberry punch for the holiday season.
How It's Used
"Guests enjoyed the fruit punch at the party."
"I'll have some lemonade punch."
Forceful effectiveness; impact.
/pʌntʃ/
The closing argument had the punch it needed to sway the jury.
💡 Simply: The word punch in this meaning is used to mean how effective something is. Think of it as the 'power' behind something.
👶 For kids: A strong and powerful effect, like a surprise!
More Examples
The marketing campaign needed more punch to capture attention.
The film's ending lacked the emotional punch it needed.
How It's Used
"The speech lacked punch and failed to inspire."
"The advertising campaign needed more punch."
Synonyms
Hit
Blow
Jab
Bore
Pierce
Beverage
Cocktail
Drink
Effectiveness
Force
Impact
Power
Idioms & expressions
pull your punches
To restrain oneself from using full force or intensity; to hold back.
"The speaker pulled their punches to avoid offending anyone."
pack a punch
To have a strong effect or impact.
"The movie's ending really packed a punch."
From Middle English *pounchen*, from Old English *pyntian* ('to pierce, prick'), or from Old French *poinçon* ('a pointed tool, prick'). The sense of 'a blow with the fist' developed in the 16th century.
The word 'punch' as a beverage appeared in English in the early 17th century, derived from the Hindi word 'pañc', meaning 'five', as it was originally made with five ingredients.
Memory tip
Imagine your fist as a powerful tool – you 'punch' things to make an impact.