knocking
Fist meets door
Knocking is the sound of repeated sharp impacts—typically someone striking a door or surface to request entry: There was a knocking at the window.
In engines, knocking refers to an abnormal rattling or pinging sound caused by premature fuel combustion: The car's knocking got worse on the highway.
The word can also describe a persistent critical attitude: He's always knocking my ideas.
Quick sharp blow
- tapValve controlling liquid flow
- rappingRhythmic vocal delivery
- tappingRepeated light striking
- poundingForceful repeated striking
banging · hammering · thump · answer · visitor · caller · doorbell · entrance
Slight collision or protrusion
Brief metallic tone
- pingingBrief high-pitched signal
- detonationExplosive ignition event
- misfireFailure to discharge
- rattleShaking sound maker
clatter · clunk · vibration · combustion · ignition · timing · spark · cylinder
Likelihood of occurrence
- luckChance affecting outcomes
- breakInterrupt continuity
- prospectPotential client or opportunity
- callingStrongly felt purpose
beckoning · arrival · invitation · possibility · opening · fortune · serendipity · timing
rap
Quick sharp blow
pounding · banging · hammering · thump · answer · visitor · caller · doorbell · entrance · arrival
bump
Slight collision or protrusion
jostle · jar · jolt · nudge · thud · impact · clash · smack · whack · blow
ping
Brief metallic tone
- pingingBrief high-pitched signal
- detonationExplosive ignition event
- misfireFailure to discharge
rattle · clatter · clunk · vibration · combustion · ignition · timing · spark · cylinder · valve
chance
Likelihood of occurrence
calling · beckoning · arrival · invitation · possibility · opening · fortune · serendipity · timing · awaiting
disparage
Express low opinion of
- belittleTo make something seem unimportant
- criticizeJudge unfavorably, vocally
- denigrateCriticize unfairly to harm
dismiss · mock · ridicule · slam · pan · trash · badmouth · put-down · jab · dig
knees
Leg joints with caps
nervous · fearful · scared · wobbly · weak-kneed · jittery · anxious · terrified · rattled · unsteady
- Halloweenjack-o-lantern, trick or treating, haunted mansion, pumpkin, trick-or-treat
- repetitive motionsswaying, rocking, bobbing, swinging, bouncing
- shovingpushing, shoving, jostling, elbowing, shouldering
- repeated hitspunches, jabs, drumming, hammering, pounding
- beatingsbeating, thrashing, pummeling, pounding, battering
- woodpecker soundsdrumming, pecking, tapping, drilling, rapping
knockingpraising
Voicing admiration
commending · lauding · applauding · extolling · complimenting
- knocking overCausing to topple
- knocking outCausing sudden unconsciousness
- knocking on woodSuperstitious protective gesture
- knocking downCausing to collapse
- knocking offCeasing an activity
- knocking upMaking someone with child