knock around

Drift without purpose

To knock around is to wander or spend time without fixed purpose: We knocked around Europe for a summer, I've been knocking around this town for years.

It can also mean to treat roughly or abuse: Life has knocked him around.

To knock around an idea is to discuss it casually: Let's knock around some options before we decide.

travel

roam

Travel without fixed purpose

  • wanderMove without fixed direction
  • driftGradual movement, no direction
  • exploreTravel to discover

ramble · gallivant · traipse · rove · meander · trek · journey · globetrot · backpack · tour

rough

beat

Rhythmic pulse or strike

  • pummelStrike repeatedly with fists
  • batterUncooked cake mixture
  • abuseCruel or violent treatment

thump · punch · manhandle · roughhouse · maul · mistreat · wallop · shove · jostle · smack

idle

lounge

Comfortable waiting room

dawdle · bum · veg · relax · unwind · drift · loiter · loll · mooch · potter

Opposites
lifestyle stability

knock aroundsettle down

Become calm or established

put down roots · stay put · plant roots · nest · take root

purposefulness of activity

knock aroundbuckle down

Apply oneself determinedly

apply oneself · focus · get down to business · concentrate · knuckle down

treatment of objects/people

knock aroundhandle with care

Instruction for delicate items

coddle · baby · pamper · look after · cherish

Family

around, knock, knocking, knocked, knocks, knockabout

Familiarity
Top 100,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated PG