knock about

Definition

To hit (someone or something) all over repeatedly; hence, to behave violently towards or mistreat (someone or something).

Etymology

From knock (verb) + about.

Example Sentences

• "It was known that he would knock his wife about when he had been drinking."
• "I never saw quite so wretched an example of what a sea-faring life can do; but to a degree, I know it is the same with them all: they are all knocked about, and exposed to every climate, and every weather, till they are not fit to be seen."
• "[Y]oung Mustafa refused to cook rice; Farraj and Daud knocked him about until he cried; […]"