knifed

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "knifed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a verb, meaning "cut or stab with a knife," and it is usually used in the past tense. For example: "The robber knifed the victim before fleeing the scene."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The man who knifed his own brother in the back.

The Guardian

In the end the party matters more than individuals in the big league, which is why the Tories knifed her when they deemed their triple election winner a liability in 1990.

The Guardian

"When the sisterhood stab one of their own in the back … I wonder how loud former prime minister Gillard screamed when her own sisterhood knifed her in the back and took her out".

The Guardian

Hindu rioters had knifed him on his way to find food for a hungry family cut off by the violence.

The Economist

Readers who did not spend the last 20 years following the twists and turns of Polish politics will need to concentrate hard to grasp who knifed whom, when and why.

The Economist

Apart from the occasional violent attack in separate incidents last year, a teacher and a pupil were knifed to death the reported examples of indiscipline seem pretty mild.

The Economist

A Han acquaintance, he said, had been knifed to death during the riots.

The Economist

The police even seem to have got the right people (and others are still being hunted).Nikita Tikhonov, a 29-year-old ultra-nationalist who has admitted the murders, had been on the run since 2006, when a group of skinheads knifed to death a 19-year-old anti-fascist student.

The Economist

A 26-year-old Dutch Moroccan apparently emptied a magazine of bullets into his victim, knifed him as he lay dying and left a note stabbed into his body.

The Economist

If Mr Brown is knifed, Mr Johnson's hands will be clean.Special deliveryAnswering the second question whether Mr Johnson really is up to it involves a prior one.

The Economist

Several apparently racist attacks took place on the eve of the election, with one man from the mostly Muslim republic of Dagestan being knifed to death.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "knifed" in a metaphorical sense (e.g., "He was knifed politically"), ensure the context clearly indicates the figurative meaning to avoid misinterpretation. Be sure to consider your audience to decide whether this word is appropriate for your document.

Common error

Avoid using "knifed" in contexts where the stabbing action is not literal or clearly metaphorical. Overusing this word can detract from the intent of the action you are trying to describe.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "knifed" is as the past tense and past participle of the verb "knife". Ludwig examples show it used to describe a physical act of stabbing, as well as a metaphorical act of betrayal. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "knifed" primarily functions as the past tense and past participle of the verb "knife", denoting the act of stabbing or, metaphorically, betraying someone. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct, and its frequency is very common, particularly in news and media contexts. Ludwig examples show "knifed" being used both literally and figuratively. When writing, consider the context to ensure the appropriate usage, especially when employing the metaphorical sense. Be mindful of alternative word choices to enhance clarity and impact. Ludwig provides various examples for how this term is employed, across diverse sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stabbed

Direct synonym referring to the act of using a knife to penetrate or wound.

stuck a knife into

Focuses on the action of inserting the knife, often with force.

slashed

Implies a more sweeping or violent cutting action with a knife.

attacked with a knife

A more descriptive alternative, specifying the weapon used in the assault.

shanked

Informal term for stabbing, often used in the context of prison or street violence.

backstabbed

Similar to 'betrayed' but emphasizes the treacherous and unexpected nature of the act.

betrayed

Figurative use, implying a sudden and damaging act of disloyalty.

cut with a blade

Emphasizes the use of a sharp-edged instrument, without necessarily implying intent to kill.

done in

Euphemistic expression for killing someone, often with violent means.

inflicted a knife wound

Formal and clinical description of causing an injury with a knife.

FAQs

What does "knifed" mean?

"Knifed" means to have stabbed someone with a knife or, metaphorically, to have betrayed someone in a sudden and damaging way.

How can I use "knifed" in a sentence?

You can say, "The assailant "stabbed" the victim" or, metaphorically, "The politician was "backstabbed" by his own party".

What are some alternatives to "knifed"?

Depending on the context, you can use "stabbed", "betrayed", or "backstabbed" as alternatives to "knifed".

Is "knifed" formal or informal?

"Knifed" is generally considered a neutral term but can sound harsh or graphic depending on the context. In formal writing, consider using "stabbed" for literal meanings or more nuanced terms like "undermined" or "betrayed" for metaphorical usages.