knockback
Hit that repels
A knockback is a refusal or rejection, especially one that sets you back emotionally or professionally: After several knockbacks from publishers, she self-published.
In British and Australian usage, it often describes being turned down for a loan, job, or romantic advance.
In video games, knockback is the force that pushes a character backward when hit by an attack or ability.
Act of declining
- denialRefusal to accept reality
- rebuffAbrupt, curt rejection
- turndownAct of declining
- dismissalRemoval from position
veto · decline · spurn · repudiation · nix · thumbs-down · snub · brush-off
Walk unsteadily, sway
- stunDaze by force
- recoilBackward force from discharge
- pushbackResistance to something proposed
- interruptBreak in upon
cooldown · crowd control · displacement · flinch · cancel · combo breaker · repel
Something blocking the way
- hindranceBarrier to progress
- difficultyState of being hard
- adversitySevere difficulty or suffering
- hurdleBarrier to leap over
impediment · barrier · complication · delay · reversal · blow · disappointment · defeat
Regaining what was lost
- reboundReturn after deflection
- comebackRecovery after decline
- perseveranceSustained resolve despite obstacles
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
determination · fortitude · tenacity · endurance · resolve · fighting spirit · dusting off
refusal
Act of declining
dismissal · veto · decline · spurn · repudiation · nix · thumbs-down · snub · brush-off · cold shoulder
stagger
Walk unsteadily, sway
interrupt · cooldown · crowd control · displacement · flinch · cancel · combo breaker · repel
shot
Quick liquor serving
slug · belt · nip · tipple · nightcap · quaff · dram · tot · snifter · jigger
obstacle
Something blocking the way
- hindranceBarrier to progress
- difficultyState of being hard
- adversitySevere difficulty or suffering
hurdle · impediment · barrier · complication · delay · reversal · blow · disappointment · defeat · stumbling block
recovery
Regaining what was lost
- reboundReturn after deflection
- comebackRecovery after decline
- perseveranceSustained resolve despite obstacles
grit · determination · fortitude · tenacity · endurance · resolve · fighting spirit · dusting off
- game movesmove, dodge, play, pass, block
- platformersMario, jump, Sonic, platformer, platforms
- setbacksfailing, stuck, losing, stumbles, hit a snag
- spellsspell, cast, conjure, curse, enchantment
- discouragementdiscouragement, dejection, defeatism, disappointment, letdown
- combat mechanicsmelee, melee attack, ranged attack, damage, combos
knockbackpull
Force toward oneself
draw · attraction · pull-in · suction · magnetism
knockbackacceptance
Consent to receive
approval · green light · yes · go-ahead · endorsement
knockbackbreakthrough
Sudden important advance
boost · leg up · advancement · step forward · progress