conk out

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

Possibly an onomatopoeic imitation of the sound of a stalling internal combustion engine. Possibly coined by British motorcyclists circa 1910.

Verb

conk out (third-person singular simple present conks out, present participle conking out, simple past and past participle conked out)

  1. (intransitive, informal) to fall fast asleep; to sleep soundly
    He wasn't there, just the dog, conked out on the porch.
    Synonym: zonk out
  2. (intransitive, informal) to stop functioning
    The old car conked out halfway up the hill.
  3. (intransitive, informal) to die
    He lived to be 90, then conked out in his sleep.
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