-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
sucker punch
verb
sucker punched; sucker punching; sucker punches
: to punch (a person) suddenly without warning and often without apparent provocation
sucker punch
noun
Examples of sucker punch in a Sentence
One of them sucker punched me.
Recent Examples on the Web
As the surprised man turns around, his assailant sucker punches him in the face, knocking him to the ground.
—Chris Pandolfo, Fox News, 17 May 2024
And before the start of the 2022 season, Green’s behavior was the talk of the NBA after video leaked from a Warriors practice in which he sucker punched teammate Jordan Poole in the face during an argument.
—Natasha Dye, Peoplemag, 28 Mar. 2024
In a handful of other videos posted on TikTok and X, other women said they were also ambushed by an unidentified man and sucker punched in the face or head.
—USA TODAY, 27 Mar. 2024
Just ask David Lee, who never forgot the feeling of that love-at-first-sight sucker punch—though his heart’s desire was not for a person but for a 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO.
—Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 23 Mar. 2024
Each episode features a group of willing contestants trying (and often failing) to navigate a series of obstacle courses, from bouncing on giant red balls to trying not to get sucker punched by mechanical boxing gloves.
—Emily Smith, EW.com, 19 Oct. 2023
Being the one who was laid off can feel like a sucker punch.
—Dede Henley, Forbes, 11 Feb. 2024
It sucker punched me in the kidneys and back with no mercy!
—Nardine Saad, Los Angeles Times, 2 Feb. 2024
The words hit Friedl like a sucker punch to the gut.
—Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sucker punch.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1964, in the meaning defined above
Articles Related to sucker punch
Dictionary Entries Near sucker punch
Cite this Entry
“Sucker punch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sucker%20punch. Accessed 10 Jun. 2024.
Kids Definition
sucker punch
verb
: to punch (a person) suddenly and usually without any obvious reason
sucker punch
noun
More from Merriam-Webster on sucker punch
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for sucker punch
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share