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konk out

B1 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To fall fast asleep suddenly, or for a machine to stop working.

Literal meaning: 'Konk' is a slang word for a blow to the head, so 'konk out' originally evoked being knocked unconscious.

Meanings

1 B1 idiomatic informal

To fall asleep suddenly, especially because of great tiredness.

"After the marathon, he konked out on the sofa and slept for twelve hours."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 idiomatic informal

Of a machine, engine, or device: to stop working suddenly and unexpectedly.

"The car's engine konked out just as we reached the motorway."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic informal

To lose consciousness, especially as a result of a blow to the head.

"He hit his head on the cabinet and konked out for a few seconds."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Very common in informal spoken English. Used both for people (falling asleep) and machines (breaking down). The word 'konk' is itself informal/slang. More common in British and American English than in other varieties.

Commonly used with

engine car machine sofa exhaustion battery

Forms

Base
konk out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
konks out
he/she/it
Past simple
konked out
yesterday
Past participle
konked out
have + pp
-ing form
konking out
continuous

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