kneecap
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈniːkæp/
KK: /ˈniːkæp/
noun
Definition
The small, rounded bone that forms the front of the knee joint, also known as the patella.
Example
He injured his kneecap while playing soccer.
Conversation
I heard you hurt your kneecap while playing soccer.
Yeah, it was pretty painful, but I'm okay now.
That sounds rough! Did you have to see a doctor for your kneecap?
Not really, just some ice and rest did the trick.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
patella
kneepad
joint
Antonyms
shoulder
elbow
wrist
transitive verb
Definition
To injure someone by shooting them in the knee area, causing serious harm or disability.
Example
The gangsters threatened to kneecap anyone who opposed them.
Tense Forms
Past: kneecapped
Past Participle: kneecapped
Conversation
Did you hear about that incident downtown?
Yeah, they said someone tried to kneecap a rival gang member.
That's so dangerous! I can’t believe people resort to that.
Root Explanation
Kneecap → The word is formed from "knee" (from Old English "cneow", meaning the joint of the leg) and "cap" (from Old French "cape", meaning a covering). The term "kneecap" refers to the covering or protective bone that sits over the knee joint.
Memory Tip
Think of the 'knee' as the joint and 'cap' as a covering — together, they describe the protective bone over the knee.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.