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.
The annual meeting is an opportunity to celebrate the league's work over the past year, hear from a powerful advocate for Arkansas families and help shape the organization's direction for the future. Deb Harvell, Arkansas Online, 11 May 2025 Union representatives have been raising the idea of a federal tax break to further incentivize domestic production for some time, as production crews have seen the loss of work over many years. Ted Johnson, Deadline, 4 May 2025 The key to getting the most out of strength training is stacking up hard work over time, Mr. Frost said. Alyssa Ages, New York Times, 3 May 2025 Perez worked over Ripley’s leg, and was able to chop down the big tree despite giving away a lot of size in the match. Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025 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

Cite this Entry

“Work over.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/work%20over. Accessed 16 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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