bonk

verb

ˈbäŋk 

ˈbȯŋk

bonked; bonking; bonks

1

transitive informal : hit

Johnson isn't the only one who has noticed the glut of acorns this fall. Walkers are getting bonked on the head, and cars are getting pelted by the falling nuts.

—Lori Stabile

2

intransitive informal : to experience sudden, severe fatigue during strenuous activity

Two hours into the ride, you encounter a sudden loss of energy that leaves you weak, dizzy and nauseated. You've hit the wall, or "bonked."

—Sharon Cohen

3

transitive chiefly British, informal : to have sexual intercourse with (someone)

Synonyms

• bang
• bash
• bat
• belt
• biff
• bludgeon
• bob
• bop
• box
• bust
• clap
• clip
• clobber
• clock
• clout
• crack
• hammer
• hit
• knock
• nail
• paste
• pound
• punch
• rap
• slam
• slap
• slog
• slug
• smack
• smite
• sock
• strike
• swat
• swipe
• tag
• thump
• thwack
• wallop
• whack
• whale
• zap

Examples of bonk in a Sentence

He bonked him on the head.

The golf ball bonked the hood of the car.

Recent Examples on the Web

In a split second, Jaden decided to one-up Carolyn’s cruelty and bonked her in the head repeatedly with the fire poker. —Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 24 July 2024

That pickleball game on the driveway was pure pandemonium, and Joan almost got bonked in the face with a ball. —Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 20 Sep. 2024

Miss Manners cannot entirely guarantee, however, that your finger will not bonk your nose instead — particularly after the second or third old-fashioned. —Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 2 Aug. 2024

What is the etiquette for enjoying the last sips of your drink without that giant ice cube sliding down and bonking you on the nose? —Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 2 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

imitative

First Known Use

1929, in the meaning defined at sense 1