conk
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /kɒŋk/
KK: /kɔŋk/
intransitive verb
Definition
To suddenly fall asleep or lose consciousness, often unexpectedly.
Example
After a long day at work, I conked out on the sofa.
Tense Forms
Past: conked
Past Participle: conked
Conversation
I was so tired after work yesterday that I just conked out on the couch.
Haha, I know that feeling! Sometimes you just need to crash.
Right? I didn't even wake up for dinner.
That’s the ultimate sign of exhaustion!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
collapse
faint
sleep
Antonyms
wake
revive
function
noun
Definition
A hit or blow to the head, or a type of hairstyle where hair is straightened, often chemically. It can also refer to a hard structure found on decaying wood or informally to the human nose.
Example
He received a conk on the head during the game.
Conversation
Did you see that guy earlier who took a conk on the head?
Yeah, it looked pretty painful!
I hope he's okay; I wonder if he has a conk on his head now.
transitive verb
Definition
To hit someone on the head or to straighten tightly curled hair using chemicals.
Example
He conked his friend on the head with a pillow during the pillow fight.
Tense Forms
Past: conked
Past Participle: conked
Conversation
I accidentally conked my head on the doorframe yesterday.
Ouch! That sounds painful. Are you okay?
Yeah, I just have a little bump now.
Root Explanation
The word 'conk' originates from the late 19th century, likely derived from the slang term 'conk out', which means to stop functioning or to faint. The term 'conk' itself is believed to be an alteration of 'conk' (meaning to hit or strike), possibly influenced by the sound of a blow or a knock. It does not have clear roots in Latin or Greek.
Memory Tip
Think of the sound of a knock or a hit ('conk') to remember that 'conk' means to stop functioning or to faint.
Visually Confused Words
cronk
con