Meaning

(boxing) Without boxing gloves..

Definitions by Sense

1. (boxing) Without boxing gloves.
2. (by extension) Characterized by ruthlessly attacking or overpowering an opponent, especially when using underhanded techniques.
3. To box without boxing gloves.
4. To attack or overpower ruthlessly.

Example Sentences

The bare-knuckle boxing era ended in the early 20th century, when gloves were introduced, stricter rules implemented and oversight organizations formed.

In bare-knuckle fights, one of the most frequent injuries is a broken hand.

He was known as a tough bare-knuckle boxer and had already consolidated a reputation from his teenage years, when he had first thrown his fists in anger.

The difference between a street fight and a bare-knuckle boxing match is an accepted set of rules, such as not striking a downed opponent.

a bareknuckle exchange on the Senate floor

In one sense such bare-knuckle tactics reflect the fact that IP grants are (and are intended to be) monopolies.

In 2000 America witnessed the bare-knuckle tactics of the GOP firsthand in Florida — tactics that included intimidation of black voters, phony felon lists, hired thugs sent by Tom DeLay to stop the recount, a secretary of state who did all that could be done to push the election in Bush's favor, and so on.

The territory was bursting with political spoils and riches to be captured, and “old settlers” vied with newcomers for a place at the head of the line, encouraging bare-knuckle politics with a distinctively local cast.

Word Forms

• bare knuckle
• bare-knuckles
• bare-knuckling
• bare-knuckled

Related Words

When Should You Use Bare-knuckle?

Use bare-knuckle when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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