work over

verb

worked over; working over; works over

transitive verb

1
: to subject to thorough examination, study, or treatment
shelf stock worked over by shoppers
2
: to do over : rework
saved the play by working the first act over
3
: to beat up or manhandle with thoroughness
My boxing opponent worked me over in the ring.

Examples of work over in a Sentence

the mob boss's thugs really worked him over
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In addition to doomscrolling, a 2021 survey found Americans prioritize work over friendships amid high living costs. Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025 More women are founding companies, reshaping leadership, and challenging the notion that professional success requires prioritizing work over family. Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025 The video then swiftly transitioned into a recap of the DHS's work over the past week, including Noem's visit to the United Kingdom, as well as the rollout of two major immigration crackdowns in Chicago and Boston. Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025 And Welch would know; the seasoned consultant, business columnist, and news contributor has witnessed what has worked over the past four decades. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for work over

Word History

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of work over was in 1832

Cite this Entry

“Work over.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/work%20over. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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