work over

verb

worked over; working over; works over

transitive verb

1
: to subject to thorough examination, study, or treatment
shelf stock worked over by shoppers
2
: to do over : rework
saved the play by working the first act over
3
: to beat up or manhandle with thoroughness
My boxing opponent worked me over in the ring.

Examples of work over in a Sentence

the mob boss's thugs really worked him over
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Voda: Some media works over a longer period of time, and all media has its window of impact. Megan Poinski, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024 The tenkeyless wireless board works over Bluetooth or 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, or via USB-C. Quentyn Kennemer, The Verge, 11 Dec. 2024 Meanwhile, a growing number of rural students are questioning the return on a costly degree and choosing work over college. Kelly Field, The Christian Science Monitor, 11 Dec. 2024 Defensive tackle Christian Barmore, whose duties have shifted from mostly pass-rushing to more early-down work over 31 snaps, was illegally held and chop-blocked on the 2-point conversion. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 3 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for work over 

Word History

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of work over was in 1832

Dictionary Entries Near work over

Cite this Entry

“Work over.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/work%20over. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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