Pronunciation: [pˈʌnt͡ʃ ˈa͡ʊt] (IPA) 
The phrase "punch out" is spelled with a silent "h" in the word "punch." The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /pʌntʃ/. The "u" in "punch" is pronounced with a short "uh" sound, while the "ch" sound is created by making a forceful exhale through the mouth with the tongue placed in the back of the mouth. The word "out" is spelled as it sounds with the IPA transcription of /aʊt/.
Punch out is a phrasal verb that can have multiple meanings depending on the context, and it is often used in informal or colloquial language. Here is a 200-word dictionary definition of "punch out":
1. To physically strike someone or something with enough force to cause injury or damage, typically using a closed fist. This action is often aggressive and associated with conflicts or physical altercations.
2. In the context of boxing or competitive fighting, punch out refers to delivering a powerful blow to an opponent, aiming to incapacitate or knock them down.
3. To end a shift or workday by officially "clocking out" through a mechanical or electronic timekeeping system. This usage is commonly found in workplaces where employees are required to record their working hours accurately.
4. In manufacturing or fabrication, punch out refers to removing a shape or component from a larger material using a specialized tool called a punch. This technique is frequently used in sheet metal work or in the production of various goods that require precise cutting.
5. To create a hole or opening in a surface by forcefully pressing a tool, such as a hole punch or awl, into the material. This action is often done to facilitate threading, attaching, or organizing objects.
Overall, "punch out" can refer to physical actions involving striking, ending a shift, removing a component, or creating a hole or opening. The specific meaning depends on the context in which the term is used.
The phrase "punch out" has its origins in boxing terminology. It dates back to the early 20th century and is derived from the literal act of "punching" or striking someone.
In boxing, when a boxer is knocked out or rendered unable to continue the fight, a referee may count to ten while the fallen boxer lays on the mat. If the boxer fails to rise and resume the fight before the referee's count reaches ten, he is considered "knocked out".
This concept of a quick, definitive end to a boxing match was transferred metaphorically to other contexts such as work or tasks. "Punching out" started being used colloquially to mean finishing or completing a particular assignment or job, often with the connotation of leaving work for the day.
The term "punch out" is also associated with timekeeping systems.
