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DictionaryconkStop working
verb

conk

KONGK/kɑːŋk/

To cease functioning or consciousness suddenly.

The lawn mower conks out halfway through cutting a strip of grass.

A powered lawn mower has abruptly stalled halfway through cutting a strip of grass.
Etymology
conkProbable sourceEnglisha blunt blow

Probably related to the expressive impact word, perhaps reinforced by a stalling engine's sound. The development of conk out is uncertain.

More examples

  • Our old refrigerator conked out during the night.
  • She was so exhausted that she conked out before dinner.
  • My phone always conks out when I need directions.

Forms

conk · conks · conked · conking

Similar words

stall
Usually describes an engine stopping or a process getting stuck.
faint
Specifically means to lose consciousness briefly, not to malfunction.
fail
Broader term for not working properly, without implying suddenness.