verb
punches; punched; punching
[+ obj] to hit (someone or something) hard with your fist
chiefly US :to press or push (something) with a short, quick movement
to make (a hole, dent, etc.) by pressing or cutting in, into, or through something
to make a hole in (something, such as a ticket) by using a special tool
punch holes in
to weaken or destroy (an idea, plan, belief, etc.) by proving that parts of it are wrong
punch in
[phrasal verb] US
to place a card in a time clock at the beginning of a workday so that the time is recorded on the card
punch (something) in or punch in (something) :to enter (information, such as words or numbers) into a computer or other machine by pressing buttons or keys
punch out
[phrasal verb] US
to place a card in a time clock at the end of a workday so that the time is recorded on the card
punch (someone) out or punch out (someone) informal :to hit (someone) repeatedly in order to cause pain or injury :to beat (someone) up
punch someone's lights out
informal :to hit someone's face hard with your fist
punch up
[phrasal verb]
punch (something) up or punch up (something) US informal :to make (something) more lively, exciting, attractive, etc.
noun
plural punches
[count] :a quick hit with your fist
[noncount] :energy or forcefulness
(as) pleased as punch
beat (someone) to the punch
to do or achieve something before someone else is able to
pack a punch
pull punches
to express criticism in a mild or kind way - usually used in negative statements
roll with the punches
noun
plural punches
a drink made usually by mixing different fruit juices and often flavored with wine or liquor [count]
noun
plural punches
[count] a tool or machine for cutting holes in paper, cardboard, leather, etc.
a hole made by a cutting tool or machine
US