Definition

1. Noun:
   • A knockout in combat sports: A technical term, primarily in boxing and martial arts, for a blow that causes an opponent to lose consciousness or be unable to continue fighting, resulting in an immediate victory for the striker.

Usage

• The word "KO" is almost exclusively used as a noun in the context of sports, particularly boxing, mixed martial arts (MMA), and other combat sports. It refers to the decisive finishing move or the result of that move.
• It is commonly written in uppercase as "KO" or "K.O." and is often used in sports reporting and commentary.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The boxer won the match with a devastating KO in the third round.
  • He is known for his powerful right hook that has led to many KOs in his career.

Advanced Usage

• "to score a KO": To achieve victory by rendering one's opponent unconscious or unable to stand before the referee's count is complete.
  • The champion scored a KO to retain his title.
• "KO victory": A victory achieved by a knockout.
  • She celebrated her first professional KO victory.

Variants and Related Words

• Knockout (n): The full, standard term for "KO." It has the same meaning.
  • The fight ended in a knockout.
• To knock out (phrasal verb): The verbal form meaning to render someone unconscious.
  • The punch knocked him out cold.

Synonyms

• Knockout: The direct and full synonym.
• Stoppage: A broader term that can include a KO or a technical knockout (TKO).
• Finisher: Informal term for a move that ends a fight.

Related Phrases

• Technical Knockout (TKO): A stoppage where the fighter is conscious but unable to defend themselves safely or the referee stops the fight, as opposed to a full KO where the fighter is unconscious.
  • The doctor advised a TKO due to the fighter's cut.
• Out cold: An informal idiom describing someone who is completely unconscious, often from a blow.
  • The punch left him out cold on the canvas.

Noun

1. a blow that renders the opponent unconscious