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.
The Jewish Fertility Foundation has been working over the past decade to create their model, and are now looking to expand nationally. Jessica Tzikas, Sun Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2025 And yet, while several prominent Republicans attended the speech, others on Capitol Hill kept their distance, warning the president of dire consequences for the farmers and manufacturers in their districts who could be swiftly put out of work over the new policy. Faith E. Pinho, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2025 The team worked over the next two years to conserve and carefully reconstruct the bone fragments using advanced imaging and 3D analysis tools. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 12 Mar. 2025 The current efforts to limit liability in the oil and gas industry are part of a larger pattern of deregulation that has reshaped trucking and oil field work over the past four decades. Saul Elbein, The Hill, 10 Mar. 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 22 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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