Meaning & use

Bonked

verb·Advanced

Last updated

Hit someone or something lightly, especially on the head, typically in a playful or accidental way.

See it in a sentence

He bonked his head on the low doorway as he walked into the cabin.

The comedian bonked his co-star with an inflatable hammer for a laugh.

A note on using this word

In endurance sports, 'bonked' also describes suddenly running out of energy, as when a cyclist or runner 'hits the wall' after depleting their glycogen stores.

Words with a similar meaning

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Another way to use it

2. verb

(sports) Suddenly experienced extreme fatigue and a sharp drop in energy during prolonged physical exertion.

She bonked at mile twenty of the marathon and had to slow to a walk.

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