count-out

The referee begins the count-out after the boxer falls.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A counting procedure in boxing: "count-out" refers to the act of a referee counting from one to ten over a fallen boxer. If the boxer does not rise by the count of ten, he or she is declared defeated by knockout.
   • A parliamentary procedure to adjourn a meeting: In British parliamentary practice, a "count-out" is the adjournment of a sitting due to fewer than 40 members being present, as determined by a count.

Usage Examples

• (The referee counted to ten to determine the outcome.)
• (The session was adjourned due to insufficient attendance.)

Advanced Usage

• "to suffer a count-out": to be defeated or have a meeting adjourned by this procedure.
  • The champion suffered a count-out in the third round. (The champion was knocked out and lost.)
  • The opposition called for a count-out to delay the vote. (They used the procedure to disrupt the session.)

Variants and Related Words

• Count (n): the number reached by counting; a tally.
  • The final count showed 100 votes. (The total number.)
• Out (adv/adj): not within; away from a position.
  • He was out of the ring. (Not inside the ring.)

Synonyms

• Knockout: a victory in boxing when a boxer cannot rise within ten seconds.
• Adjournment: the suspension of a meeting to a later time.

Phrasal Verbs

• Count out: to exclude someone or something; to count and remove.
  • Please count me out of the game. (Exclude me from participation.)

Related Idioms

• Down for the count: defeated or unable to continue, especially after a knockout.
  • After losing the contract, the company was down for the count. (The company was in a hopeless situation.)