The phrasal verb "double over" is primarily used in informal contexts, especially in casual conversation. It is most commonly used to describe the action of bending forward and down, typically as a reaction to laughter, pain, or nausea. For instance, someone might "double over" with laughter if they find something exceptionally funny, or they might "double over" in pain if they experience a sudden, intense discomfort. This phrasal verb conveys a physical response that is easy to visualize, making it particularly vivid and effective in storytelling or descriptive narratives. While it is less common in formal written or spoken communication, it can occasionally appear in more formal contexts to add a dramatic or expressive dimension to a description.
B2
UpperIntermediate
1. To bend forward at the waist, typically due to pain or laughter.
She doubled over in laughter at his funny joke.
After being hit in the stomach, he doubled over in pain.